Half of Bhubaneswar turns no-parking zone; citizens hit by space crunch

Where should people park their vehicles in the Capital City? Nearly half of Bhubaneswar has now been declared a no-parking zone. Has the local administration made any alternative arrangements before the police clamped the parking restrictions?

Also Read: Parking strictly prohibited on major Bhubaneswar roads; check full details here

Commissionerate Police imposed a parking restriction on Monday across 21 major stretches of the city, sparking strong reactions from motorists as well as residents, who criticised the decision as ‘despotic’ amid insufficient designated parking spaces.

Thousands of shops, offices, malls and commercial establishments line the major roads, yet the Commissionerate Police has prohibited the parking of vehicles across these stretches in Bhubaneswar.

From Rajmahal Square to Kalarahanga via Jaydev Vihar, and from the Airport to Nalco Square through Acharya Vihar — parking is strictly banned.

Likewise, the stretch from Sishu Bhawan Square to Rajmahal and from Master Canteen to Vani Vihar Square also falls under no-parking restrictions.

“Interestingly, Infocity Police has parked some previously seized vehicles on the road in front of the police station for years. Who is responsible for this ‘wrongdoing’ and who will be fined for this, as the act is also illegal,” some local intelligentsia questioned.

Not just these; the busy road stretching from Rasulgarh Chhak to Jaydev Vihar, and from Sriya Square to the PHD Office are also a no-parking zones. Roads between Gopabandhu Square and Kalpana Square face similar prohibitions.

With so many vital routes blocked for parking, citizens are left wondering where to keep their vehicles. Bhubaneswar Smart City lacks adequate vehicle parking spaces or large-scale organised facilities, leading to growing concern among residents.

No comments were received from the Commissionerate Police in this regard.

When contacted, urban planner Piyush Rout said, “There is a rule for shops, offices, malls and commercial establishments to provide designated space for vehicle parking. But, most of the times it is seen that it goes the other way.”

“Moreover, implementation of the restrictions is quite okay, but adequate arrangements should have been made before imposing the restrictions,” the town planner stated.