Pestering Parking Problem

Baramulla Town has long been grappling with inadequate parking facilities, badly affecting both commuters and shopkeepers. I personally experienced this issue, recently, when I received a text message informing me that I had been challaned for wrong parking. I had parked my vehicle on the cement bridge on the left (west) side. This bridge, around 300 feet long, spans the Jhelum River and connects Main Chowk Baramulla to Old Town. Some time ago, authorities had installed signage stating that parking was permitted only on the left (west) side.

However, despite following the instructions, I was still fined. When I inquired, I was told that, in order to avoid traffic jams, vehicles parked on both sides were now being penalized, yet there were no signages indicating this change. I ignored the court option as that was too lengthy and quietly paid the fine online. While my personal case was closed, the parking problem persists.

Parking vehicles on bridges is not ideal, but there is no other alternative. Main Chowk Baramulla is the core market of the town, where essential items - groceries, vegetables, and fruit are available. Vehicles are often parked on the left side (west) of the bridge from Main Chowk to Jabri School in Old Town, highlighting the sheer necessity of such parking space for residents and commuters.

Although I paid the fine and my challan was disposed of, this incident highlights a larger issue: the persistent and unresolved parking problem in Baramulla. Without proper facilities and clear communication, residents and visitors alike continue to face unnecessary inconvenience. It is hoped that the concerned authorities will address this matter with a practical and transparent solution. As a temporary measure, signages could be installed to make things clear for residents and visitors. Further, the time of parking could be monitored, and vehicles allowed to park for a maximum duration of 30 minutes or so, to prevent reckless or long-term parking and improve traffic flow.