Guwahati: Unauthorised parking of two-wheelers on city pavements near ATMs, shops and commercial establishments is compelling pedestrians to walk on the road, posing hazards for them.
This issue is prevalent across various localities including Beltola, Fancy Bazar, Chandmari, Ulubari Paltan Bazar and sections of GS Road. Despite increased enforcement efforts by city traffic police, vehicle owners continue to disregard warnings about footpath parking.
DCP Traffic Jayanta Sarathi Bora said, “On an average, we collect around Rs 15 lakh in fines for various traffic violations in the city, with unauthorized parking being one of the major offences.”
Chandmari Police station’s traffic IC Utpal Das said regular office workers constitute the majority of offenders who park directly outside shops. “We are constantly levying fines on them and even towing these vehicles away, and it has become a very frustrating that this is continuing till now,” the IC said.
The insufficient parking infrastructure, unable to accommodate the rising number of vehicles, has caused frustration among both pedestrians and motorists. This has resulted in traffic congestion, unlawful parking and regular conflicts over parking spaces. Birubari resident Rupali Mitra emphasised that pavements should remain accessible to pedestrians who face daily harassment. She recalled, “Foothpaths have become a free movement space for two wheelers during traffic snags. Many times, I have come across near-death experience due to this unchecked violation.’
Two-wheeler owner Munin Kakoti highlighted the severe shortage of parking facilities amid increasing vehicle numbers. “Most parking areas are in a terrible state, and miscreants posing as parking attendants extort money, forcing me to park on the side walks,” he said.
Till date, Kamrup (Metro) has registered over 14,00,000 vehicles but there isn’t enough parking space. The GMC operates 54 parking locations, while GMDA maintains approximately four parking spots, including two non-functional multi-level car parking facilities.
