No respite from illegal parking in Viman Nagar

Not only are vehicles stationed in unauthorised areas, but have also taken up spaces on the footpath to easily access food vendors and stores

With increasing commercialisation in Viman Nagar area, illegal parking and delay in road construction works are adding to commuting woes. Not only are vehicles stationed in unauthorised areas, but have also taken up spaces on the footpath to easily access food vendors and stores.

The congestion is not restricted to the main roads but has slithered its way into adjacent areas of Viman Nagar. (Shankar Narayan/HT PHOTO)

“We have a hard time walking on the roads here. The traffic officials don’t bother to perform surveillance of the roads even when vehicles are parked on both sides of the road almost every day. With our offices and the mall nearby, this is the only place we do get to park. There is no other space available”, said Khushboo Tampal, a frequent commuter at Viman Nagar.

There seems to be a lack of awareness surrounding the alternating parking rules in the area.

“Often, people park on sides that are most convenient for them. They do not understand why the system is in place,” said a street vendor, addressing the heavy traffic and unruly drivers moving around.

The traffic police in charge, requesting anonymity, said, “We take at least 20 scooters away daily, as people don’t follow the odd or even parking system. On most days, the road is blocked by heavy traffic congestion, especially in the evening. A fine of ₹785 is levied on owners of two-wheelers towed by the police.”

“The offenders park scooters in front of the entrance of shops and commercial establishments obstructing pathways. We place six to seven such vehicles on rounds in Viman Nagar, because of repeated complaints. However, even with the presence of boards, people refuse to follow rules,” said officials from the Viman Nagar traffic police division, while towing several scooters into the truck.

The congestion is not restricted to the main roads but has slithered its way into adjacent areas of Viman Nagar. A diversion of traffic to residential streets creates a maze of slow-moving traffic, residents can hardly walk through roads, as potholes and vehicles cover the main streets and sidewalks.

“Residents have appealed to the police with grievances regarding disrupted pedestrian spaces. Boards will be issued again to assert the rules. NOC has been addressed to shop owners in all areas to clear out footpaths. We will proceed with the investigation after a few days again,” said Shrikant Kurkelli, head constable at Viman Nagar traffic police division.

Police inspector Hemant Sonawane did not respond to calls regarding the issue, while deputy commissioner of police(Traffic) SP Magar was not available for comments.