Bhubaneswar Faces Parking Crisis as Police Impose Strict Ban
The Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police issued a sweeping order on Monday, prohibiting parking along 21 major city stretches. This decisive move has ignited strong protests from motorists and residents who describe the measure as excessively harsh, given the severe shortage of designated parking areas in the rapidly growing capital.
Urban Growth and Vehicular Boom Create Perfect Storm
Bhubaneswar has experienced explosive urban expansion in recent years, accompanied by a dramatic surge in vehicle numbers. The city's infrastructure has struggled to keep pace, forcing citizens to park on roads and public spaces. The problem is particularly acute in bustling commercial zones like Saheed Nagar and Bapuji Nagar, where shopping activity intensifies the parking crunch.
Official data reveals that Odisha currently has approximately 94 lakh registered vehicles, with a staggering 20% concentration—between 17 and 20 lakh vehicles—located solely in Bhubaneswar. Between 2015 and 2025, the city registered around 8,80,000 new vehicles, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Public Reaction: Anger and Frustration Over Lack of Alternatives
Motorists argue that enforcement without providing viable alternatives is fundamentally unfair. "Where do we park?" questions Jivan Mohapatra, a resident of Unit-II. "Multi-level parking facilities are distant from markets, and most commercial hubs lack proper space. Authorities should create adequate facilities before imposing such bans."
Local business owners echo these concerns. Shivam Jena, a shopkeeper at Saheed Nagar, revealed that they even pay the civic body for the right to park in front of their own establishments. "Many small outlets like ours don't have dedicated parking space, and we cannot offer this facility to our customers either. This police decision feels completely arbitrary," he added.
Official Stance: Enforcement vs. Infrastructure Development
A spokesperson for the commissionerate police defended the action, stating that traffic enforcement falls within their jurisdiction and the order was issued for public convenience. "Our priority is ensuring free-flowing roads without traffic jams. Providing parking infrastructure is the responsibility of the civic body," the official clarified.
Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) claim to be actively developing solutions. The BMC has initiated processes like auctioning parking lots and regulating services on busy corridors such as the Raj Mahal to Sishu Bhawan stretch, which offers 23,000 square feet of space.
City Mayor Sulochana Das emphasized their commitment, stating, "Parking regulation is a key priority. We are encouraging businesses to create their own parking spaces and ensuring new buildings incorporate adequate parking in their approved plans."
BSCL officials pointed to the multi-level car parking (MLCP) facilities developed at Unit-II and Saheed Nagar. However, they acknowledged a significant behavioral hurdle. "Habit is the biggest challenge. People prefer roadside parking for convenience. We are pushing for behavioral change alongside strict enforcement, encouraging use of designated lots over haphazard parking," explained a senior BSCL official.
The situation highlights the classic urban dilemma pitting traffic management against citizen convenience, with Bhubaneswar caught between enforcement and the urgent need for infrastructural development.
