The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday urged the Union Territory administration to address the growing parking crisis, warning that inadequate parking infrastructure is contributing to traffic congestion and road safety concerns across the region.
FADA J&K Chairperson Sanjay Aggarwal said the steady rise in the number of vehicles on the roads has put immense pressure on the existing road infrastructure.
He said thousands of new vehicles are being registered every year, while a large number of used vehicles are also being brought into the Union Territory from other states. While describing the growth in vehicle numbers as a positive indicator of economic activity and the expanding automobile sector, Aggarwal said it has also led to acute parking shortages, worsening traffic congestion and increased pressure on already crowded roads.
“The lack of adequate parking infrastructure has emerged as one of the major causes of traffic bottlenecks in cities and towns across Jammu and Kashmir. Vehicles parked along roadsides obstruct the smooth flow of traffic, causing delays, inconvenience to commuters and increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.
Aggarwal noted that the problem is particularly severe in busy commercial areas, where motorists often struggle to find designated parking spaces and are forced to park on roadsides and footpaths.
To address the issue, he proposed that the administration develop organised paid parking facilities beneath city flyovers, saying such spaces remain largely underutilised.
“These vacant spaces can be converted into well-managed parking zones equipped with proper lighting, surveillance and management systems. This will not only reduce roadside parking but also improve traffic movement and ensure effective utilisation of public infrastructure,” he said.
Aggarwal said several cities across the country have successfully developed paid parking facilities beneath flyovers, generating revenue for the government while easing congestion and providing convenient parking options for motorists.
Urging the administration to treat the issue as a priority, he said timely intervention and coordinated urban planning would help ease congestion, improve road safety and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors across Jammu and Kashmir.
