To curb worsening traffic congestion in Ahmedabad, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has introduced strict new parking rules, making building owners and managements responsible for ensuring that vehicles are parked only within designated parking areas of residential and commercial premises, including shopping malls. Violations could lead to fines, wheel-clamping and even sealing of buildings.
Under the new guidelines, parking on municipal roads, footpaths, outside building complexes or at junctions will attract penal action and hefty fines. The directives, issued on Sunday, also mandate the installation of clear parking signages and proper marking of parking lines.
A pilot project near Sandesh Press Road in Vastrapur, where parking markings were introduced, has shown positive results. Encouraged by the outcome, the civic body plans to replicate the model on other roads to improve parking discipline.
The AMC has placed the onus on building owners and managements to ensure that tenants and visitors do not park vehicles on municipal roads, footpaths or in front of buildings. Premises owners must clearly demarcate parking spaces within their compounds and remove obstacles such as cables or barricades that hinder vehicle movement. Loading and unloading of goods along road margins or in front of buildings will also be prohibited.
Commercial buildings and shopping complexes have been directed to deploy security personnel to regulate parking, while larger complexes will be required to provide valet parking. The AMC has warned that repeated violations may result in strict action, including sealing of premises.
10 model roads identified
As part of the initiative, AMC has identified 10 roads in the North and South West zones to be developed as ‘model roads’. These stretches will have organised parking, be kept garbage-free and be closely monitored by teams from the solid waste management and estate departments. Littering will invite fines, while illegally parked vehicles will be wheel-clamped.
The identified roads are Prahladnagar to Shyamal, Shivranjani to Iscon, Corporate Road, Bopal–Ambli (South West Zone stretch), Rajarshi Muni Road, LJ College Road, Arose to Cliantha Road, Karnavati Club to Ring Road, Sobo to Marigold Circle, and the Iskcon to Prahladnagar service road.