Buying car in Maharashtra? You'll need to show parking space
What's the story
The Maharashtra government is mulling a policy that would require potential car buyers to demonstrate that they have a parking space.
The initiative, announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, is aimed at tackling the growing problem of vehicular congestion in cities.
The minister highlighted the adverse impact of uncontrolled parking of vehicles, including blocking emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades.
Traffic woes
Sarnaik highlights traffic congestion issues
Sarnaik emphasized the traffic congestion problems worsened by the rising number of vehicles, especially in densely populated cities.
He noted that people residing in one-bedroom apartments tend to purchase multiple cars and park them on public roads due to a lack of private parking spaces.
"In many societies, open spaces are occupied by parked cars, leaving no room for critical services to operate efficiently during emergencies," he noted.
Inclusive approach
Policy aims to ensure parking arrangements without economic discrimination
Sarnaik assured the proposed policy wouldn't discriminate against economically weaker sections.
He clarified that those not having personal parking facilities could still buy cars if they got spots in public parking lots.
"We are not saying the poor should not buy cars, but arrangements must be made for parking," he stated.
Policy defense
Minister defends policy amid potential criticism
Despite the possibility of criticism, Sarnaik defended the proposed policy as a necessary step in the direction of tackling traffic congestion.
"Some will appreciate this decision, and some will criticize it and we might be trolled, but the government must take steps to resolve the traffic issue," he remarked.
This statement highlights the government's resolve to take steps to improve traffic conditions in Maharashtra's urban areas.
Infrastructure improvements
Ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation
Sarnaik also emphasized on the ongoing efforts to improve public transport and lessen dependence on private vehicles. He mentioned improvements in metro rail services as part of these efforts.
Further, he spoke of his ambitious plan of starting a cable taxi system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), a proposal which has been lauded by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.