Faridabad's public parking project stalls amid land ownership problems

Plans to upgrade public parking infrastructure here have hit a standstill, with the proposed development of around 70 public parking lots within the city's civic limits languishing due to unresolved land ownership problems. Although a draft proposal was submitted to the state government six months ago, sources within the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) say the project cannot proceed unless disputes over land availability and ownership are settled.

The parking lot project, which was approved two and a half years ago, aims to address the city's growing parking crisis, but it remains on hold. According to an MCF official, the locations identified for the parking lots are either congested or the land is owned by other departments. “In June, 2024 the MCF submitted a proposal to acquire or transfer land to create these parking facilities,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained.

Officials say while multi-level parking structures are needed at several locations where space is scarce, the matter is more complicated in residential sectors. However, these areas are under the jurisdiction of the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and the MCF must first secure a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from HSVP to proceed.

According to sources, the HSVP has made it clear no NOC would be granted until a state-level policy on such matters is finalised. The proposed parking facilities were to be located in high-traffic areas such as markets, government offices, hospitals and near bus and metro stations.

Faridabad is facing a severe parking crisis, which has led to chaotic road conditions and a surge in illegal parking. Residents claim improper parking management has also empowered local parking mafias. “Unauthorised parking on the streets has created mayhem and the parking mafia has flourished,” said Narender Sirohi, a local resident. Sirohi also criticised the authorities for failing to activate the first multi-level automated parking lot, inaugurated near the Old Faridabad market in January, 2024 which remains non-operational.

Birender Kardam, Chief Engineer at MCF, said the problem had been escalated to higher authorities, adding a resolution was expected soon.