THE PARKING CONUNDRUM MUMBAI

 

THE PARKING CONUNDRUM MUMBAI

Wonder how many of us ever planned a trip in Mumbai without considering the parking aspects for the vehicle we own. Be it a weekday or weekend, a holiday or a working day, if a dinner or lunch has to be planned out, the parking space availability or valet services form an integral part of the decision making process. A quick movie with family or friends or a visit to the market would also lead to a quick search or revision of the available parking facilities. Even a Sunday visit to a relative’s residence, (though such concepts are receding fast in the emerging social order) a quick phone call to the concerned person to enquire availability of the Visitor Parking area might not be out of order. Finally, what emerges out of these situations, is the mode of travel or transport which in most cases would be “lets take a cab/bus/train”. Hence even with all the latest brands of automobiles, the space to park or move freely on the roads in Mumbai is fast shrinking.

The Economic Growth and Parking Conundrum. 

Any country would celebrate the economic progress made by its hardworking citizens and so it is with our great nation as well. I remember back in the mid 90s, the Maruti 1000 and later, the Esteem were a mark of pride and prestige to the drivers. As compared to present times, the brands of Audis and Mercedes used to be  head turners, what to talk about the brands even more dearer, such as the Lexus etc. Presently, certain select models of Mercedes, if I may dare say, seem to be in the common category, which reflects the kind of growth achieved and money in circulation. However, every development comes with a cost, the parking conundrum of Mumbai being one. This conundrum might not be relevant to the chauffer driven vehicle owners but certainly to their poor drivers who have to not only stop the vehicles where directed but also face greater challenges in remaining parked in proximity, facing the ire of their own compatriots, the restless cab drivers and not to mention the ever watchful gaze of the traffic constables. This issue is worst felt by the middle and lower class who have self driven vehicles and find themselves caught between the devil and the deep sea. Unless there is a pre-designated space for them, which would be a rarity or even luxury, the decision to use their own vehicles is a pretty tough nut to crack. When one actually finds a parking space or a vacant spot, it feels as if it is a fortune or blessing, whether the space is authorized by the BMC or not. The fallout of this, is a shift towards the public transport system of Mumbai which has always stood up to the challenges of the ever growing population, in the spectrum of demands and prism of expectations.  

Considerations by Traffic Police .         

It is rather heartening to see the ever professional Mumbai Police taking a humane consideration to this issue. It is said that a rule book is just a guideline for the enforcement agency to implement and interpret. Practically, it is extremely difficult to go by the rules and laws as given in black and white. There has to be a room for their interpretation and if I may say, a reasonable application in specific situations that arise on ground that cannot be totally covered in the guidelines. Total deviation from the manuals and laws would lead to anarchy while a rigid enforcement would be impractical. The Mumbai Traffic Police, have definitely displayed maturity in their handling of the parking problems. While, they are definitely strict to the errant vehicles who go beyond the acceptable limits, they choose to be selective to the others and take a lenient view as they are aware of the shrinking and limited parking spaces. They are not oblivious to the reality of overflowing BMC Parking and thus give levey to the vehicles even parked in unauthorized spaces not creating traffic obstructions. This is indeed a well balanced approach of an iron fist and a velvet glove.

Considerations and Future Planning by BMC.

The BMC has created pre-designated parking areas and deputed their authorized contractors to operate the same. However, the overflow of these spaces need to be duly considered. In addition, the BMC could also do better by managing their contractors to handle the parking better. Mostly, they are reluctant for online payments just as the cab drivers are. It is only when the online payment is stressed, they come out with the scanners. The BMC might be thus incurring a loss in such cases and might like to regulate this better. Presence of the fixed online payment booths, in the line of Bengaluru parking spaces might be a good option to consider. However, the ever swelling automobile density also necessitates construction of multi level parkings in future but the thought process investments need to be commenced forthwith to make in roads in the coming years. The newly planned buildings should also incorporate internal parking floors instead of roads. No doubt this has commenced but if this was formalized at the government level, then it would be binding on builders. Collectively, these might make some in roads at some level at least.

Individual Efforts.

          Nothing can ever fructify without the persistent and sincere efforts by the individual citizen of Mumbai. The notion of putting it all on the authorities should now be outdated and irresponsible. At individual levels, all of us could be responsible in parking our vehicles in a civilized manner so that no one else is disturbed whether it is a BMC or any other space. When the police is showing humane considerations in overlooking these aspects, then we also need to show some efforts as well. Also, we need to show empathy towards others in helping drivers park properly instead of always opposing. So when do we start.