Representative imageBHUBANESWAR: The Housing and Urban Development Department is working on a comprehensive parking policy aimed at urban areas.
To explore the details, the Odisha Urban Academy held a workshop on Sunday to formulate a policy framework that effectively manages parking, mitigates congestion, and fosters the development of safe and livable cities. An official noted, “Unregulated parking has emerged as a pressing concern in Odisha’s swiftly expanding urban regions, necessitating a structured parking management approach.”
Key features of the draft policy include regulating both on- and off-street parking through a systematic approach, implementing demand-based parking charges to deter excessive parking, and promoting sustainable mobility options like walking, cycling, and public transportation integration.
The policy will also aim at optimal utilization of urban land and infrastructure while leveraging smart technologies for effective parking management.
Engagements from various stakeholders, including senior department officials, municipal commissioners, traffic and transport experts, town planners, and architects, provided valuable perspectives on modern mobility trends, enhancing private sector involvement, and aligning the framework with environmental sustainability objectives.
Rajesh Pravakar Patil, the department’s special secretary, emphasized how the draft policy could improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and create user-friendly urban spaces.
Once finalized, officials mentioned that the policy would act as a guiding framework for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, enabling them to establish efficient, transparent, and sustainable parking systems.
