Unregulated street vending worsens traffic chaos in Amritsar amid delayed permit system

The unchecked growth of street vendors across Amritsar has become a significant cause of traffic congestion and disorder in the city. Despite clear directives from the Supreme Court and provisions under the Street Vendors Act, the Municipal Corporation (MC) has failed to establish proper vending zones.

Although the MC had planned to introduce a “parchi” (permit) system from September 1 to regulate vendors, the launch has been delayed as the required software is not yet ready. Officials estimate nearly 20,000 street vendors operate across Amritsar, often occupying busy roads and market areas, exacerbating traffic problems.

In 2020, the MC identified 20 potential vending sites, but the project did not progress. A previous effort by the MC’s estate wing to relocate vendors near the bus stand also failed due to opposition from vendors and interference by local politicians. Now, the MC is preparing to develop 10 vending zones capable of accommodating 400 to 500 vendors. Discussions are underway with the Improvement Trust to identify vacant government land that can be converted into vending spaces. These zones would include basic amenities such as toilets, parking areas and designated stall spaces.

Under the new system, once the software is operational, vendors would be required to pay Rs 1,000 online via the Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC) to obtain a vending permit. Vendors operating without a valid permit would face a fine of Rs 1,000, while those with four-wheeler carts would be fined Rs 2,000.

The estate department is also engaging with vendor unions to ensure carts are arranged systematically along roadsides to minimise traffic disruption. The MC hopes the introduction of vending zones and the permit system would improve traffic flow and bring greater organisation to street vending in the city.