Odisha Govt Plans Comprehensive Parking Policy to Tackle Urban Congestion

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to implement a comprehensive parking policy across urban areas in the state to address rising traffic congestion and parking challenges driven by a sharp increase in vehicle numbers.

The move comes in the wake of a significant surge in registered vehicles, which have increased from 91.3 lakh in 2017–18 to over 1.5 crore in 2023–24. This rapid growth has led to severe congestion and unregulated parking across cities, affecting road safety, pedestrian movement, and overall urban mobility.

As part of the proposed framework, the government plans to introduce a demand-based pricing system for parking. Fees will vary depending on location and congestion levels, with higher charges in busy commercial areas and lower rates in less crowded zones. To discourage roadside parking, off-street parking facilities will be made at least 25 per cent cheaper than on-street options.

The policy also предусматривает strict enforcement measures against illegal parking. Violators may face fines, penalties, and towing of vehicles. Authorities aim to clearly define parking violations and deploy digital monitoring systems to strengthen enforcement. Parking on narrow roads—particularly those less than 12 metres wide—will be prohibited to ensure smooth traffic flow and emergency access.

In a key proposal, buyers of new vehicles may be required to provide proof of parking space before registration. The government is also considering residential parking permits and possible caps on vehicle ownership in highly congested areas.

To improve efficiency, the policy includes plans for technology-driven solutions such as mobile applications, real-time parking availability updates, digital payment systems, and automated management tools. These initiatives are expected to help users easily locate parking spaces and make cashless transactions, while enabling authorities to monitor usage more effectively.

The policy further emphasises reducing dependence on private vehicles by promoting public transport, shared mobility, and non-motorised transport like cycling and walking. Revenue generated from parking will be reinvested into urban transport infrastructure.

With this initiative, the government aims to create more liveable, accessible, and people-friendly cities through better management of parking and optimal use of road space across Odisha.