Advertisement
The Odisha government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive urban parking policy to tackle increasing traffic congestion in major cities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, and Rourkela. A consultative workshop, organized by the Odisha Urban Academy in coordination with the Housing and Urban Development Department, gathered officials, urban planners, transport experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the policy framework. The draft policy focuses on demand-based parking charges, regulation of on- and off-street parking, promotion of sustainable transport options, integration with public transport, and the use of smart technologies for efficient parking management.
The Odisha government is moving forward with a structured urban parking policy to address congestion and parking challenges in rapidly growing cities. The Housing and Urban Development Department, together with the Odisha Urban Academy, held a consultative workshop that brought together municipal commissioners, traffic and transport experts, town planners, architects, and representatives from civil society and academia. The workshop discussed a draft policy framework designed to streamline parking management across urban areas. Advertisement
One of the key measures in the draft policy is the implementation of demand-based parking charges. This approach will help control the excessive use of parking spaces in busy areas and discourage indiscriminate parking, which often adds to traffic congestion. By setting variable fees based on location, time, and demand, authorities aim to ensure that parking spaces are used efficiently and fairly.
The policy also emphasizes regulating both on-street and off-street parking. Establishing a structured system for parking allocation will ensure optimal use of urban land while reducing instances of illegal parking. Proper regulation will allow cities to better manage their limited space and improve the overall flow of traffic, particularly in commercial and high-density residential areas.
Promoting sustainable mobility is another significant component of the policy. The government plans to encourage residents to rely more on public transport, walking, and cycling. By reducing dependence on private vehicles, this measure is expected to ease traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and contribute to healthier urban living conditions.
Integration of parking facilities with public transport hubs is also being prioritized. This alignment will enable seamless connectivity for commuters, making it easier for people to switch between different modes of transport. Such integration is intended to reduce the reliance on private vehicles for short trips and improve the efficiency of city-wide transportation networks.
The use of smart technologies is a central part of the draft policy. The plan includes real-time monitoring of parking spaces, digital payment systems, and other technological solutions to manage parking efficiently. These measures will provide convenience for users while helping city authorities monitor and enforce parking regulations more effectively.
The policy is part of Odisha's broader efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure and manage challenges associated with rapid urbanization. By combining technology, regulation, and sustainable transport solutions, it aims to improve the quality of life for city residents and reduce congestion in commercial and residential zones.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
