In wake of Mohali’s growing traffic mess, compounded by haphazardly parked vehicles, the municipal corporation (MC) is set to bring a proposal to crack down on private buses and other commercial vehicles parked without permission in market areas.
According to the agenda, to be tabled in the MC General House meeting on Monday, a private bus found parked without permission in a market or public space will be fined ₹10,000 and impounded. The corporation may also recommend police action against the operator. Bus operators will have the option of using designated parking spaces by paying ₹1,000 per bus per day.
Officials said private buses and other commercial vehicles are frequently parked along roadsides and in market parking areas, sometimes remaining in the same spot for extended periods. This reduces the usable road width and contributes to congestion and inconvenience for commuters.
The problem is particularly visible in Phase 2 and Phase 3A near Khalsa College and Kama Hotel, where private buses are often parked along roadsides. Residents have also raised concerns about an unnecessary bus stop near Singh Gurdwara and the frequent occupation of roadside spaces by buses.
Another major concern is Sector 62, near the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) office, where the old bus stand once operated. Although the old facility was demolished and a new bus stand was constructed opposite the Verka plant, several private and government buses continue to pass through the area and are sometimes parked in Sector 62. Residents said this defeats the purpose of shifting bus operations to the new facility and adds to congestion.
{{/usCountry}}Another major concern is Sector 62, near the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) office, where the old bus stand once operated. Although the old facility was demolished and a new bus stand was constructed opposite the Verka plant, several private and government buses continue to pass through the area and are sometimes parked in Sector 62. Residents said this defeats the purpose of shifting bus operations to the new facility and adds to congestion.
{{/usCountry}}Road safety expert Harpreet Singh said, “Longer vehicles have larger blind spots and they require a wider turning radius, so opting for parking outside busy areas can help reduce the chances of traffic conflicts. Simple adjustments to how we park and navigate contribute to a safer, more relaxed environment for everyone sharing the road.”
The proposal also provides for action against other commercial vehicles parked without permission in public places. Officials said the objective was not merely to impose penalties but to ensure that market roads remain available for public movement. The policy will be implemented after approval by the House.
Plans for 2 more night food streets
The MC is also considering a proposal to establish two night food streets in Mohali for the convenience of people working late shifts in the city’s expanding IT and commercial sectors.
A committee of officials will identify suitable locations based on accessibility, availability of space and traffic management. Once sites are finalised, the corporation plans to provide facilities such as lighting, closed-circuit television cameras, drinking water and toilets.
Officials said the initiative was being proposed as a response to the growing number of IT professionals, call centre employees and students who work or study late into the night and often have limited food options. The proposed food streets would bring multiple food options together at designated locations while ensuring that late-night activity does not create additional traffic problems in surrounding areas.