Parking Crisis Deepens in Smart City; BMC Plans Institutional Parking Fee

Bhubaeswar: Parking has become a major headache in the Smart City. Vehicles parked along roadsides are worsening traffic congestion across the city.

To streamline the situation, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced several plans over the years. Parking fees are being collected, yet the problem remains unresolved.

Now, BMC has announced a fresh move — Institutional Parking Fees.

Institutions Under Scanner

Hospitals, restaurants, private institutions, and commercial establishments will now have to pay institutional parking fees.

At the time of construction, many institutions promise adequate parking facilities. However, in reality, proper parking spaces are often not provided. As a result, visitors park their vehicles on the roads, creating traffic bottlenecks.

The Mayor has said that such institutions will be identified, and fees will be collected from them.

Fine for Roadside Parking

In many residential areas, the absence of proper parking spaces forces residents to park vehicles on the streets.

To tackle this, BMC plans to develop vacant government land in every ward into designated parking zones. Citizens can park there by paying a nominal fee.

Earlier, BMC had proposed leasing private land for parking facilities. However, that plan did not materialise.

Public Questions Effectiveness

Citizens are now questioning whether the new plan will succeed.

Many believe that simply collecting fees will not solve the issue. Public awareness is equally important.

BMC must clearly inform people:

• Where parking is allowed

• Where parking is prohibited

Without proper enforcement and awareness, the parking crisis may continue.