Odisha Charts a Smarter Path for Urban Parking with Inclusive Policy Workshop

In a decisive move to tackle the growing menace of unregulated parking in its urban centres, the Odisha Urban Academy, under the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department, convened a high-level workshop in Bhubaneswar to shape the Draft Parking Policy for Urban Odisha.

The workshop brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders—municipal commissioners, traffic experts, town planners, architects, civil society members, and academicians—to collaboratively address the challenges of chaotic parking and inefficient land use.

The discussions focused on implementing structured regulations for both on-street and off-street parking, introducing demand-based charges, and promoting eco-friendly transport alternatives such as walking, cycling, and public transit.

Special Secretary Rajesh Prabhakar Patil outlined the draft’s core objectives: enhancing traffic efficiency, improving urban safety, and creating citizen-friendly spaces.

A panel moderated by Ashtha Malhotra featured experts like Mriganka Saxena, Zohra Mutabanna, Bankim Kalra, Aswathy Dilip, and Prof.

Shalini Sinha who emphasised the importance of Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and smart enforcement strategies.

Once finalised, the policy will serve as a blueprint for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha, aligning with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s vision for inclusive, green, and sustainable cities.