Finding a spot: Are Indian cities running out of parking spaces?

"Unsystematic parking practices exacerbate traffic congestion, commute time, and vehicular emissions, all while jeopardising road safety. Parking woes have intensified with the rising density of vehicles in urban India, demanding a comprehensive reformation of traditional parking policies.

The crux of the issue is with the American-inspired zoning policy of ‘parking minimums,’ which mandates new developments to provide a predetermined set of free parking plots. Rather than alleviating trouble, it has fueled an insatiable demand. In India, it seems like cities are running out of space for on-street parking.

However, fee-based off-street facilities remain starkly vacant!

In August this year, Bhopal MC declared New Market a no-parking zone, surging street parking while the nearby multilevel facility stood empty.

On-street parking monopolises space that could otherwise be utilised by pedestrians, cyclists, vendors, and public transport. But a staggering 98% of it is cost-free, making it popular.

In Guwahati, automated facilities are underutilised as citizens fear technical glitches. The absence of due enforcement and coordination among managing authorities makes them more dysfunctional.

Navi Mumbai MC, in August 2023, began an assessment of parking demand and supply before authorising any changes.

Among recent innovations, ParkMate is an app that operates in Lucknow and Delhi, offering valet service with paperless transactions to ease the ordeal.

Experts also advocate for multifaceted policies that incorporate zoning regulations and incentivize off-street parking. Integration of automatic tolling and development of parking lots near car-free zones are crucial to enhancing efficiency.

ITDP suggests designing well-regulated facilities with electronic metres and variable pricing to discourage illegal parking. With rising motorization, the implementation of such policies is essential for even smaller cities in India to effectively manage parking requirements.

Can you find parking easily in your city? How is your city dealing with parking problems?"