JAMMU, Jul 2: Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Jammu & Kashmir Chairperson Sanjay Aggarwal has urged the Union Territory administration to take immediate steps to tackle the growing parking crisis across J&K, warning that the situation could worsen if timely measures are not implemented.
In a statement, Aggarwal said the continuous increase in the number of vehicles on the roads has placed immense pressure on the existing infrastructure. He noted that thousands of new vehicles are registered annually, while a substantial number of pre-owned vehicles are also entering the Union Territory from other states. Although this growth reflects economic development and expansion of the automobile sector, it has also intensified traffic congestion and created a severe shortage of parking spaces.
He observed that inadequate parking infrastructure has become one of the major causes of traffic bottlenecks in cities and towns. Vehicles parked along roadsides often obstruct the smooth flow of traffic, causing delays, inconvenience to commuters and increasing the risk of road accidents. The problem, he said, is particularly acute in busy commercial areas where motorists struggle to find designated parking spaces.
To address the issue, Aggarwal suggested that the administration develop the vacant spaces beneath city flyovers into organised paid parking facilities. He said these areas remain largely underutilised and can be converted into secure parking zones equipped with proper lighting, surveillance systems and professional management.
Aggarwal pointed out that several cities across the country have successfully utilised the space beneath flyovers for paid parking. Such facilities, he said, not only help reduce roadside parking and improve traffic movement but also generate revenue for the government while making productive use of otherwise unused public spaces.
Appealing to the administration to treat the matter as a priority, Aggarwal expressed confidence that timely intervention and coordinated planning would help ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and provide a better commuting experience for residents and visitors across the Union Territory.