Premium parking zones leave Bhopal choked in routine jams:Roadside slots slowing regular traffic flow; experts question need for such scheme, demand uniform rules

Premium parking in several busy areas of Bhopal is slowing down traffic, especially around New Market and DB Mall. Although the Municipal Corporation earns crores of rupees from these spaces, they are causing major congestion. Expert say the city does not need premium parking and must overhaul the entire parking system. Heavy traffic near New Market At 2 PM, vehicles moving from Apex Bank Tirahe to Roshanpura Chauraha move very slowly. The main reason is roadside premium parking. This has turned into a major traffic problem. The Municipal Corporation earns around Rs 1 crore every year from this area. However, the inconvenience to the public is increasing. The same traffic situation exists from Board Office Chauraha to DB Mall Chauraha. New premium parking near GG flyover Near the GG Flyover, the Corporation has opened another premium parking zone. This is the fourth premium parking in the city. From 1 November, the charge here is Rs 50 for two hours. Due to this parking, vehicles struggle to exit the DB Mall Chauraha junction. Expert says premium parking not required MANIT traffic expert Siddharth Rokde says Bhopal does not need premium parking facilities. According to him, removing these will improve the flow of traffic. He also says the city has different parking rules at different places, which creates confusion. Instead, Bhopal needs a single, uniform system. 5 major flaws in current parking system 1. Different rates and rules Free, paid, and premium parking are operating at the same time in the same city. 2. Poor use of multilevel parking People do not regularly use the five multilevel parking facilities. 3. Outdated policy There is no central guideline.The parking policy has not been updated for years. 4. No link with public transport Parking areas are not connected to bus stops or metro stations.This makes traffic worse. 5. Poor parking habits Five multilevel parking structures exist in New Market, MP Nagar, Bairagarh, Chatori Gali Ibrahimpur, and Ibrahimpur.But they are underused. Premium parking zones in New Market There are three premium parking stretches: This last stretch generated Rs 1 crore 3 lakh 41 thousand 500 in 2024–25. Other parking zones in the city Parking is also available at: These were leased out. Parking run directly by the Corporation’s zone offices earned Rs 48 lakh 5 thousand 954 until 28 February 2025. Proposed solutions to fix the problem According to Siddharth Rokde, the traffic situation in the state capital can be improved with a few targeted steps. Corporation’s response Municipal Commissioner Sanskriti Jain says a proposal for new parking rates has been sent to the council. The Corporation will also discuss new parking locations with traffic police. Traffic issues at specific spots will also be reviewed with police. ​