Parking space woefully sparse

Parking space woefully sparse
By Shruti R Shah, DH News Service, Bangalore:
Parking problems in and around the main areas have intensified with the continuing Metro Rail works and the increasing number of vehicles.


Not only are parking places sparse, but also slowly moving vehicles trying to spot a vacant slot frequently cause back ups on the already congested roads.

People have given up on the city traffic. “Traffic is increasing because of parking problem. The government should make some arrangement to tackle the situation,” said Shafat, a fashion consultant.

“The Corporation should take measures to construct more multi-storey parking complexes like Maharaja Complex on K G Road,” said Vittal Kode.

On Residency Road, vacant sites are converted into unauthorised parking areas and the charges are as high as Rs 30 for four-wheelers and Rs 10 for two- wheelers. “We have to pay irrespective of whether the parking place is authorised or not, considering the safety of our vehicles,” said Bharath, a student.

Business have also been affected to a great extent as Nagaraj, Store Manager of Levi’s explains, “Only 10-15% of our customers would find parking near our store, others would definitely look for alternatives. Due to the Metro Project there is more traffic and lesser parking space.”

However, people in private sectors don’t seem to be bothered, as they have reserved parking and pay on monthly or yearly basis, which are nominal. Many opine that there should be basement and multi-level parking places. “Automated parking system is a relief but I cannot keep coming here every two hours to renew my card.

They should introduce SMS service wherein I can renew my card via an SMS,” informed Dr Shaheer.

Automated parking

The automated parking service at Brigade Road is a joint venture of BSEA (Brigade’s Shops And Establishments Association) and BBMP. The amount collected from this is utilised for maintenance and further collected to build multi-storey parking complexes. “Sixty per cent of the problem will be solved if automated parking is put into action,” opines Secretary of BSEA, Suhail Yusuff.

He is of the opinion that one ways and ‘No Parking’ boards cannot tackle traffic jams. He has proposed ‘Parking Information System’ project, which would display information about parking slots available. Thereby, vehicles would not have to slow down, ensuring free flowing traffic.

Official response

BBMP Joint Commissioner Govindraj said, they are coming up with metered parking service in 37 places. “We are also coming up with multi-storey parking complexes, in about 16 places, which will be put to action soon.” He said, “When there is infrastructure work, there will be disruption. There will be parking places near the station when Metro comes up.”