Roadside parking of vehicles triggers traffic congestion on roads across Amritsar

Traffic congestion across key stretches of the city continues to worsen as haphazard parking along roadsides leaves little room for smooth vehicle movement. From commercial hubs to residential pockets, vehicles parked in double rows or squeezed onto narrow lanes have turned daily commuting into a persistent struggle.

Areas around Hall Gate, Lawrence Road, Ranjit Avenue, and key market streets witness the worst chaos, especially during the peak hours. Motorists say that even a minor increase in traffic volume brings vehicular movement on roads to a standstill because illegally parked vehicles eat into the passage.

Shopkeepers and vendors add to the problem by allowing customers to park their vehicles right outside their shops, further narrowing the space. Traffic officials admit that roadside parking remains one of the biggest contributors to congestion, but enforcing penalties becomes difficult due to limited manpower and constant public pushback. While vehicles are towed and challans are issued regularly, officials say the sheer scale of the problem demands a long-term change in public behaviour.

Residents, however, argue that the high charges at authorised parking lots discourage people from using official facilities. Many prefer parking vehicles on the roadside for quick access, even if it causes inconvenience to others.

“One can see the seriousness of the administration from the fact that the entrance to the multi-storey parking at the Nehru Shopping Complex on Lawrence Road is permanently closed,” said Rohan, a local resident.

“Parking rates in several city lots are too high for daily use. People will willingly use authorised parking if charges are lowered,” a commuter from Ranjit Avenue said, adding that inconsistency in ticketing further confused the public.

Shopkeepers also support the idea, saying lower parking fees would encourage customers to park their vehicles in designated spaces instead of blocking shop fronts and roadside passages.

Residents say the Municipal Corporation (MC) must apply uniform rates for parking of vehicles in city. They also suggested that multi-level parking projects should be revived in the city. They said the areas with dense commercial activity must have adequate space earmarked for parking of vehicles.