Diary Times News Service
Shimla, August 14: In a significant move to address the age-old parking problems in Shimla, the Municipal Corporation has announced the creation of steel structure parking slots in all 34 wards of the city. The initiative has been taken in response to growing concerns over inadequate parking facilities, which have troubled both residents and tourists, especially during the peak tourist season.
In a meeting chaired by Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan and councillors apprised the minister about the serious parking issues and stressed the need for immediate action. The steel structure parking slots, though small in capacity, will be strategically placed at locations identified by the Municipal Corporation to maximize their utility.
Growing need for parking solutions
Shimla, known for its narrow roads and steep slopes, has long grappled with inadequate parking facilities. Currently, the city can accommodate around 20,000 vehicles, including those parked at yellow line spaces. However, this capacity is extremely inadequate, especially during the peak tourist seasons in summer and winter, when the number of vehicles in the city increases significantly. Due to the lack of parking spaces, many motorists resort to roadside parking, which increases traffic congestion and often leads to jams.
Mayor Surender Chauhan and councillors raised these issues during the meeting and stressed the need for immediate action. They pointed out that lack of adequate parking has become a major inconvenience for both residents and tourists, who often spend a lot of time looking for a parking space. The situation is particularly dire in high-traffic areas, where vehicles parked on the roadside severely disrupt the flow of traffic, causing bottlenecks and delays.
Steel structure parking: A step towards decongestion
To address these challenges, the Municipal Corporation has proposed the construction of steel structure parking slots at strategic locations in Shimla. Though each of these slots will have a limited capacity, they will be placed by the corporation in areas most in need of additional parking. The steel structures are expected to provide much-needed relief by providing more systematic parking options and reducing reliance on roadside parking.
Apart from the steel structure parking slots, the Municipal Corporation is also seeking additional funds from the state government to build larger parking lots in the city. According to Mayor Chauhan, the state government is expected to bear 75% of the construction cost, while the Municipal Corporation will contribute the remaining 25%. These combined efforts are expected to significantly improve parking availability in Shimla, making it easier for residents and visitors to find parking without jamming the city roads.
Wider implications for traffic management
While the construction of new parking facilities is an important step, experts caution that this alone will not solve Shimla’s traffic problems. Effective traffic management, strict enforcement of parking rules and promotion of public transport are also essential components of a comprehensive solution. The success of these initiatives will depend not only on the timely execution of construction projects, but also on the cooperation of the city’s residents and visitors in adhering to the new parking norms.
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