In a decisive move to tackle persistent traffic congestion, the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has finalized a plan to introduce paid parking at a dozen key locations across the town. The initiative, slated for a full rollout by March 2025, aims to deter all-day parking and free up crucial public space in the bustling Goan town.
Identified Zones to Target Chronic Congestion Points
The council has pinpointed 12 specific areas where the pay-parking system will be implemented. These sites have been identified as major contributors to the town's traffic snarls, exacerbated by a steady rise in vehicle numbers. The list includes high-traffic spots such as the city bus stand, the area around Almeida High School, Gaunekar building, the police station vicinity, Kazi building, the stretch from Bhawani Sadan to Upper Bazar, and Ponda Tisk.
PMC Chairperson Virendra Dhavalikar expressed hope that the measure would significantly alleviate traffic obstructions. "We hope pay-parking will help reduce traffic obstructions," Dhavalikar stated, highlighting the council's primary objective.
Pricing Structure and Long-Term Parking Deterrent
The municipal body has resolved to implement a uniform pricing model across the town. The charges have been set at Rs 5 per hour for two-wheelers and Rs 10 per hour for four-wheelers. This decision follows an initial resolution passed in December 2023 to explore paid parking as a solution.
A core issue the council aims to address is the habit of long-term parking, where vehicles occupy spots for entire days. This is particularly prevalent at the old bus stand and the open space near the Ponda police station, where commuters leaving town for work park their vehicles, leaving no room for other motorists and causing severe congestion. Ironically, even at locations like Upper Bazar where the market complex has ground-floor parking, motorists often park along the roadside, further narrowing traffic lanes.
A Proactive Step for a Growing Town
The introduction of pay parking is seen as a proactive step to manage the increasing vehicular pressure in Ponda. As the number of vehicles continues to climb, the shortage of parking spaces has become acute. The council believes that a nominal fee will discourage the use of public parking as a free long-term storage facility, thereby ensuring better turnover of spaces and improved availability for shoppers, visitors, and short-term users.
The move is expected to streamline parking behavior, reduce chaotic parking on roads, and contribute to smoother traffic flow in Ponda's commercial and administrative heart.
