oing to the Numaish is a fun affair every year for Hyderabadis, but often finding parking space is a hassle around the exhibition grounds. Added to that is the paid parking ‘mafia’ which unabashedly charges exorbitant amounts during peak hours.
Trying to break the control of parking space from contractors, the Hyderabad Traffic Police (HTP) has decided to provide free parking for two-wheeler vehicles on main roads and by-lanes for those who will be going to the Numaish. Huge boards in front of the Gruha Kalpa complex have already been placed to demarcate single-line parking spaces already.
Mr. Ranganath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – l (traffic), said that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has agreed to hand over its paid parking places this year, which are given to agencies, who then give it out on contracts. “About a dozen by-lanes have been identified for free-parking this year. On main roads, we will demarcate space depending on their width,” he informed.
The HTP’s move to provide free parking will bring huge relief for lakhs of citizens who go to the Numaish every year, and have a harrowing time to find parking space.
Last year, Abdul Mannan, a degree student from the city, had to cough up Rs. 60 for parking his bike for more than two hours towards the end of the All India Industrial Exhibition. Others also said that they also had similar experiences in the past.
Every year during the Numaish, government offices like the Gruha Kalpa complex, Board of Intermediate Examinations, and others around the exhibition grounds turn into paid parking spaces in the evenings. And the price is fixed based on the number of hours vehicles are parked for. In fact, for cars, people have complained of having to pay more than Rs.100 for parking as well.
“We had a meeting with all the contractors this year and told them that unless they have an electrical device to monitor timings of vehicles being parked, they cannot charge on an hourly basis. They have agreed to that this year,” said Mr. Ranganath. He also mentioned that criminal cases will be booked against contractors who flout rules, and that citizens are welcome to complain to the HTP if they face problems.
Unhappy contractors
The free-parking provided by the HTP has made contractors unhappy, who think that the move will result in them ending up with loses. “What is the point of us taking the contract if people are getting free parking? Providing that on main roads will only result in traffic jams, which already is a daily thing due to the metro rail works,” said Mallesh, who mans a parking space near the main entrance of the Numaish.
Last year, nearly 50 lakh people went to the Numaish during the 45 days it was held. The crowd swells during the last few days of the event, when parking becomes a major issue.
“We can provide free parking for nearly 8,000 two-wheelers, so we will monitor it and see how it works out. In a few days we will give the complaint number for the public,” added Mr. Ranganath.
Contractors told to have an electrical device to monitor timings of parked vehicles to charge on hourly basis
