Bengaluru's Traffic Woes: Minister Calls for Comprehensive Parking Policy

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara addressed Bengaluru's ongoing traffic congestion issues by advocating for a comprehensive 'Parking Policy'. During a Legislative Assembly session, he emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among the transport department, BBMP, and the police to implement both short-term and long-term parking solutions, including strict enforcement and infrastructure developments.

Highlighting streamlined parking as a tool for traffic decongestion in Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that the city needs a 'Parking Policy' with both short and long-term plans.

Responding to inquiries during the 'Question Hour,' Parameshwara said he would engage with the transport department, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and other stakeholders to devise practical and collaborative measures.

'Probably the traffic issue that is seen in Bengaluru is not seen anywhere. There is no policy here, no infrastructure for the (number of) vehicles we have here, also there is no regulatory mechanism. If you go to any extensions, vehicles are parked on both sides of roads, making it difficult for vehicles to pass by,' Parameshwara stated.

He mentioned that the solution cannot be handled by the police department alone, and highlighted the necessity for cooperation between the transport department, BBMP, among others.

'We have identified 1,194 roads as no-parking roads, but still parking is being done there. We need a policy for this. While giving permission for constructing houses/buildings it should be mandated to provide parking,' he added.

'There are such things in other countries. Imposing fines on those who park at no-parking areas, defining parking areas, such rules have to be made and implemented strictly,' he said. 'So far we have just been fining or taking away vehicles.' Noting an increase in fine collection, Parameshwara explained that in Bengaluru, over Rs 20 crore was collected from more than 12 lakh cases in 2022, over Rs 37 crore from more than 11 lakh cases in 2023, and so far in 2024, over Rs 5 crore from around 5,21,326 cases.

'We are collecting fines, we have not stopped it, but the problem is not getting solved,' he remarked.

The minister committed to further discussions with the transport department and BBMP to arrive at actionable policies and solutions.

At a recent police conference, strict directives were issued to manage Bengaluru's traffic issues, Parameshwara noted. 'New York Times has reported about Bengaluru traffic issue, it is being discussed everywhere....as a short-term plan DCP traffic and senior officers have been instructed to stand on the road and manage during peak hours -- morning and evening.'

Yelahanka BJP MLA Vishwanath echoed the need for strict measures, including towing vehicles parked in no-parking areas, which has been discontinued due to past issues. He urged for model implementation in his constituency, highlighting the widespread issue across Bengaluru.

Rajajinagar BJP MLA Suresh Kumar concurred, stressing that about 30 per cent of road width is occupied by parked vehicles, reducing space for carriageways. He called for both short-term and long-term parking policies to address this challenge effectively.