KMC bans vehicle parking in New Road area

BY SUSHMA MAHARJAN,Kathmandu, Jan. 24: Anyone walking down the streets in the New Road area of Kathmandu on Tuesday must have had an entirely different experience. New Road, the business hub of the capital city, didn’t look its usual self as the roads seemed significantly wider, with no two- and four-wheelers parked around. Thanks to the proactive measures taken by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) in prohibiting vehicles from parking on the blacktopped roads of the city area.

Rohina Suwal, 28, a resident of Khichapokhari, said, "For the first time in my life I have witnessed the New Road area free of traffic on a working day. I am thrilled that I will no longer be stuck in traffic right in front of my own house." 

She said being one of the busiest streets in the metropolis, New Road sees a high inflow of businesses and countless people and vehicles. However, the KMC's initiative sets an example that with proper implementation of rules and regulations, the city's hustle and bustle can be managed making it more pedestrian- friendly, she added. She said that after the removal of lined-up vehicles on the sidewalks, it felt like the area did not need road expansion but rather required proper management.

Meanwhile, Srijana Basnet of Minbhawan who had arrived in New Road for shopping was a bit surprised to discover the news upon arrival. Confused about where to park her scooter, she also expressed concern about carrying her purchased goods on her own for an extended period. She said, "I like to shop in the area as everything is available at one place. Since there is no parking facility in the area, now I have to schedule my shopping lists."

Chief of KMC Police Raju Nath Pandey said that the KMC had banned vehicles parking in the area to ease the movement of people and lessen crowd at the area. He said, "Since Tuesday morning, vehicles are prohibited to park on the blacktopped roads at New Road Gate, Dharmapath, Pako, Mahabauddha, Bishal Bazzar, Pyukha and Jho Chhen areas."

He said that earlier, the KMC had a contract with various parking organisations for the parking management in the area. As the contract ended on Monday, the KMC imposed a new rule from Tuesday. He said after imposing rules the city police and city vehicles had been patrolling the area for an effective implementation of the rule. 

He said, "For now, we have been consulting with vehicle owners and requesting compliance with the rules without immediate fines. However, in the future, legal actions will be taken against those violating the rule.” He further informed that the KMC would impose a fine of Rs. 1,000 on two-wheelers and padlock four-wheelers, taking them to the traffic office for further action if they are found in violation.

The KMC informed that it had made arrangements of free parking facility at Kathmandu Tower (current old bus park) where 300 four-wheelers and 700 two-wheelers could be parked. 

Additionally, as part of efforts to make the city cleaner and visually appealing, the KMC conducted a special cleanliness drive in the parking-prohibited area on Tuesday morning.

The traders, however, resorted to a symbolic protest against parking ban for an hour and kept the shutters down.