The Maharashtra Government is planning an innovative policy that will transform the way cars are purchased by residents. The Transport Minister of the state Pratap Sarnaik announced a proposal a few days ago, in which he proposed a condition for people to prove the availability of a parking space before purchasing a car. This new policy is an approach to reduce traffic congestion in all cities of the state.
Why is this policy being proposed?
According to Sarnaik, the number of cars in densely populated urban areas has gone beyond its sustainable number, people are facing the most severe traffic jams and complications in traveling. “People with one-bedroom apartments, often purchased on loan, are buying multiple cars and parking them on public roads due to the lack of private parking spaces,” he explained.
Unplanned parking frequently blocks important pathways, obstructing emergency services such as ambulances and fire trucks from reaching their destination promptly. “In many societies, open spaces are occupied by parked cars, leaving no room for critical services to operate efficiently during emergencies,” Sarnaik added.
Sarnaik was clear that the proposed rule would be fair to all economic classes. He points out that those without personal parking facilities would still be able to buy cars if they secure parking in public lots. "We are not saying the poor should not buy cars, but arrangements must be made for parking," he clarified, ensuring that the policy isn’t seen as discriminatory.
The minister admitted that not everyone would welcome the policy.“Some will appreciate this decision, and some will criticise it, and we might be trolled, but the government must take steps to resolve the traffic issue,” he said. Despite the potential backlash, Sarnaik believes that these measures are necessary for the greater good of the community.
What else is being done to reduce traffic?
To reduce reliance on private cars, Sarnaik pointed out ongoing improvements in public transportation, including expansions in metro rail services. He also shared his vision for a cable taxi system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which has received praise from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The proposed policy will be discussed with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde before making any final decision. Sarnaik compared the policy to responsible family planning, saying, “Just as families plan expenses before having a child, people should make arrangements for their car's requirements, including parking.”