CDA to Expedite Work on Parking Plazas in Islamabad

With a growing population, the percentage of vehicle ownership is also increasing which causes the problem of traffic congestion. Many cities in Pakistan do not have appropriate parking areas because of ineffective land use planning and miscalculation of space during the initial stages of project planning. Moreover, poor regulation causes safety and congestion problems by blocking one or two traffic lanes. There is a scarcity of footpaths, thus the pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, putting their lives in danger. In order to resolve the parking issues and safety measures in the capital of Pakistan, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has planned to construct at least 5 parking plazas in the major business centres by the end of this fiscal year.

The parking plazas by CDA will have the capacity to accommodate 3500 vehicles in Islamabad. The government has constructed underground parking to reduce traffic congestion but people still prefer to park their cars on the streets. To overcome this, the chairman of CDA suggested to take legal action against drivers in case of illegal parking in the streets. It will encourage people to park in specified areas and ease traffic congestion. By building parking plazas, the parking space will be maximise, the negative environmental impacts of vehicles will reduce, ease in traffic congestion will make cities more safe, livable and efficient and urban transportation in the capital city will be improved.

Lack of urban planning is responsible for the haphazard building of infrastructure however; the least space is left for parking cars.  It elevates traffic congestion and inconvenience for citizens. Parking plazas require a lot of investment and time, hence, long-term and quick solutions must be prioritised. The government should approve only those projects which mandated parking space. Vacant land must be converted into parking lots and strict action must be taken against people who parked their cars in ‘No Parking zones. Parking tickets must be issued for the wrong parking. Moreover, commercial and tourist areas must be more pedestrian friendly causing less noise and overcrowding.