'Boom in vehicles, drop in public transport usage fuel parking crisis'

Ahmedabad: Over the past nine years, Ahmedabad has seen a dramatic increase in the number of private vehicles on its roads. In 2015, the city registered 1.24 lakh new two-wheelers and 30,788 cars. By 2023, these figures had risen to 1.8 lakh two-wheelers and 67,317 cars, marking a 45% and 116% increase, respectively. Meanwhile, public transport usage has declined, with AMTS and BRTS ridership dropping from 7 lakh in 2015 to 6 lakh in 2023.As a result, 75% of Amdavadis now rely on private transport for commuting, leading to severe traffic congestion and on-road parking issues.

A project by CEPT University student Devilal Pimple showcased in the ongoing Summer Exhibition delved into the city's parking patterns. Conducted under the Studio Unit 'Strategic Plan for Urban Transport Subsystem: Ahmedabad' by Nikita Bhakuni and Shalini Sinha at the Faculty of Planning, the study highlighted the shift towards private vehicle use and its impact on urban mobility. "Individuals are increasingly opting for private vehicles over public transport for ease. This has made on-street parking a popular choice, leading to parking encroachments and traffic congestion," Pimple stated in the project brief.

The study revealed that approximately 56% of city roads are narrower than 30m, making them susceptible to traffic snarls when cluttered with parked vehicles.
A review of the city's parking policy, from the integrated mobility plan (IMP) by Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) in 2011 to the parking bylaws announced in 2023, showed mixed progress. Implemented measures include assessing parking demand and connected charges and reserving 60% of commercial building space for visitors. However, several policies remain unimplemented, such as issuing monthly and annual parking permits and applying progressive taxes for additional vehicles. The study suggested measures like having a single authority to manage parking, variable parking charges based on demand, and substantial fines for violations.