Maharashtra to Enforce ‘No Parking, No Car’ Rule for Buyers

The Maharashtra government is planning a significant policy change that would mandate individuals to prove they have a parking space before buying a car. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced this initiative, which aims to tackle the growing issue of vehicular congestion in urban areas.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposed rule, Sarnaik highlighted the growing issue of traffic congestion caused by the increasing number of vehicles, especially in densely populated cities.

“People with one-bedroom apartments, often purchased on loan, are buying multiple cars and parking them on public roads due to the lack of private parking spaces,” he stated.

Also Read: सोनिया गांधी ने किया कांग्रेस के नए मुख्यालय ‘इंदिरा गांधी भवन’ का उद्घाटन

Impact of Unregulated Parking on Emergency Services

The minister highlighted that unregulated vehicle parking often results in serious issues, such as obstructing emergency services like ambulances and fire brigades.

“In many residential societies, open spaces are taken over by parked cars, leaving no room for essential services to function effectively during emergencies,” he explained.

Sarnaik assured that the policy would not disadvantage economically weaker sections. He clarified that individuals without private parking could still purchase cars if they arranged parking spaces in public lots.

“We are not discouraging the poor from buying cars, but proper parking arrangements must be made,” he stated.

Acknowledging the potential criticism of the proposal, Sarnaik emphasized that such steps are necessary to address the growing problem of traffic congestion.

Also Read: मकर संक्रांति का क्या है पौराणिक महत्व? 

Mixed Reactions Expected, But Traffic Issues Must Be Addressed

“Some will appreciate this decision, and some will criticise it and we might be trolled, but the government must take steps to resolve the traffic issue,” he remarked.

The minister also outlined ongoing efforts to improve public transportation to reduce dependency on private vehicles, citing developments in metro rail and other services.

Additionally, Sarnaik mentioned his “dream project” of introducing a cable taxi system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), a concept that has garnered appreciation from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The proposed parking policy will be discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for further deliberation and potential implementation. Sarnaik likened the policy to responsible planning, saying, “Just as families plan expenses before having a child, people should make arrangements for their car’s requirements, including parking.”