Government and police vehicles parked in two rows on both sides of a road near KMDA’s headquarters in Salt Lake are narrowing the carriageway and forcing pedestrians to walk alongside moving traffic, according to a report by Anandabazar – Kolkata published on September 19.
The road runs beside Bidhান Roy’s statue near Central Park and connects with Second Avenue. It is located next to the Development Bhavan, the headquarters of the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, and close to Araksha Bhavan. Vehicles bearing government and police markings are regularly parked on both sides of the road, leaving limited space for traffic and pedestrians.
The report said the footpath in the area is either absent or heavily obstructed. Food and tea stalls have occupied part of the footpath beside Development Bhavan for years, while a large waste container further reduces the available walking space. As a result, pedestrians are often compelled to use the road even when vehicles are moving through the narrow stretch.
The parking arrangement has also affected the service road beside Development Bhavan. Government vehicles have reportedly been seen standing there at different times, making the route difficult for pedestrians to use. Local residents told the newspaper that many vehicles remain parked for long periods, rather than stopping only to drop off or collect passengers.
The road connects an important junction near Central Park with Second Avenue and carries traffic during busy periods. The report said the number of vehicles in Salt Lake has increased compared with earlier years, while several government offices are located around Araksha Bhavan and Development Bhavan. Double-sided parking reduces the usable carriageway and slows vehicles passing through the area.
The situation has particular significance because Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal recently instructed residents not to park vehicles by occupying footpaths. She also directed that parking arrangements in the city should be reduced from two rows to one to increase space for moving traffic and improve road safety.
Bidhannagar Police told the newspaper that Salt Lake is a busy city but does not face traffic conditions comparable to Kolkata. The police said that parking in two rows at the location did not significantly affect public life. Drivers of the parked vehicles also claimed that crossing the short stretch did not create serious problems and said the vehicles belonged to different government offices.
After being informed about the situation, Pal said she was looking into it and that the complaint would be examined. She added that complaints received by her department are resolved quickly and that action would be taken in this case. The minister’s response is the next stated step on the reported parking and pedestrian-access problem near the two government buildings.
