Baramulla, Feb 18: Residents of Baramulla town in north Kashmir have expressed concern over the lack of a designated parking facility for private vehicles, which leads to congestion and inconvenience in key areas.
The commuters and shoppers said the absence of a dedicated parking facility compels them to park their vehicles at the main bridge of Baramulla, commonly known as Cement Bridge. This not only disrupts traffic flow but also poses safety concerns for parked vehicles, they said.
“Absence of parking facility is a headache. Now, I have to go back around one kilometre on foot for shopping, “Feroz Ahmad, a resident of Rafiabad said. “Vehicles are not safe here at the bridge as collisions do happen.”
Similarly, Tashkand Chowk opposite the main bridge remains congested throughout the day due to parked vehicles, which leads to inconvenience to shopkeepers and pedestrians.
The shopkeepers at the chowk said the congestion due to parked vehicles has led to the loss of business as it hinders pedestrian movement and customer access.
“I brought poultry products in the morning but nothing has been sold yet. Approximately we lose 3,000 rupees every day,” said a poultry owner at Tashkand Chowk. “For the last 5 to 6 years, we are witnessing people parking vehicles here and leaving for their jobs in various areas of the district,” he added.
The long queues of parked vehicles are seen at various locations in the town including Bindas Chowk, Jadeed Link Road, Tehsil Road and Old Hospital Road.
Fayaz Ahmed, a textile shop owner on Tehsil Road, said the shopkeepers have raised the issue with authorities several times but no solution has come out.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, told Rising Kashmir that a solution to the parking issue is in progress. He said a space has been identified for the construction of a designated parking facility, with the project already secured by an agency through a recent tender.
The facility will be constructed soon which will alleviate the parking woes faced by Baramulla residents, the DC assured.
