Staff reporter
Guwahati: Illegal parking continues to plague Guwahati, forcing pedestrians to navigate congested roads as footpaths are increasingly occupied by two-wheelers and street vendors. Despite repeated enforcement measures, the problem persists, raising concerns over pedestrian safety and the city’s inadequate parking infrastructure.
For residents like 32-year-old Kamal Dutta from Chandmari, a simple walk to the bus stop has become a daily challenge. “Footpaths are for people, but here, they’ve become parking lots,” she said, stepping aside to avoid a parked scooter. Similar issues are reported across the city, from Beltola and Fancy Bazar to Ulubari and GS Road.
A resident from Shilpukhuri highlighted the growing crisis. “The situation is worsening. Roads are becoming more congested, and there is no proper parking plan. The authorities are busy collecting fines, but a long-term solution is missing,” he said.
According to official data, Kamrup (M) has over 14 lakh registered vehicles, but the city has only 54 designated parking locations under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC). The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) manages just four parking spaces, two of which are non-functional. The lack of sufficient parking spaces has led to increasing instances of illegal parking, contributing to traffic congestion and pedestrian inconvenience.
Traffic police officials acknowledge the challenges in tackling the issue. “We impose fines, we tow vehicles, yet the violations continue. The city collects a significant amount in penalties, but public behaviour remains unchanged,” said a traffic official.
Beyond illegal parking, residents also report two-wheelers using footpaths as alternate roads during traffic congestion. “Pedestrians are being pushed off their own pathways,” said Ratul Goswami, a resident of Guwahati Club.
Urban planning experts stress the importance of dedicated parking zones, improved public transport, and stricter enforcement to address the crisis. Without sustainable solutions, the issue is expected to escalate as Guwahati’s urban expansion continues.
Also read: Guwahati: Residents demand action on illegal parking in city
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