In a bid to curb illegal parking and improve traffic management, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has implemented a new parking demarcation system in Hatibagan. The initiative involves drawing blue-and-white lines on the road to clearly mark designated parking areas. This new measure has been introduced along one side of Bidhan Sarani, stretching from Fariapukur to the Hatibagan crossing, and will soon be extended to other bustling areas like New Market and Behala.
The newly marked parking zones are part of a larger effort by the KMC to bring order to the city’s congested market areas. Following a recent directive from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the KMC swiftly acted, marking out the parking spaces on Saturday night. This move is intended to provide a designated area for vehicles, thereby reducing the chaos caused by indiscriminate parking.
The Mayor-in-Council Member (MMiC) for Parking explained, “We previously implemented this blue line demarcation in Gariahat, and now it has been replicated in Hatibagan. Our next targets for this initiative are New Market and Behala. This drive is aimed at promoting systematic parking across the city’s market places.” The official also stressed that vehicles must adhere strictly to these designated zones, with no parking allowed outside the lines.
The Town Vending Committee (TVC) has also acknowledged the issue of parking zones being encroached upon by hawkers, which had previously led to significant congestion and difficulty for pedestrians. A TVC member commented, “The parking zone around Hatibagan market had disappeared due to encroachments by hawkers.”
Local hawkers have expressed their support for the initiative, recognising that it could benefit their businesses by creating a more organised environment. A jewellery stall owner at Hatibagan remarked, “Earlier, people would park haphazardly. Now, the scene might change, and a cleaner look of the place may help us attract more customers.”
Despite the introduction of similar demarcations in Gariahat prior to the Chief Minister’s directive, issues with illegal parking and unauthorised fee collection persist. In response, KMC officials have pledged to address any shortcomings by drawing fresh demarcation lines where necessary.
The KMC’s systematic approach aims to alleviate parking woes and enhance the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike. By clearly defining parking zones, the civic body hopes to not only ease traffic flow but also support local businesses by making market areas more accessible and organised. This initiative, if successful, could serve as a model for other congested urban areas in Kolkata and beyond.
