Parking (mis)management: New system takes 'chaotic turn' at Charbagh station

Disputes over "extra charges" a regular feature, causing delays and leading to congestion near the entry point

- Aakash Ghosh

LUCKNOW: The new common parking system introduced by Northern Railway (NR) at the Charbagh railway station on December 4 was aimed at clearing the traffic mess in the vicinity. But a few days on, it has become a cause for chaos with scuffles between the parking management and commuters over "extra charges," becoming a regular feature, often leading to congestion near the entry point, lament citizens, auto and cab drivers.

Cab drivers and the vendor operating the parking service said that the railways' decision to implement the system was taken without consulting stakeholders.

The NR had introduced a parking system wherein, instead of multiple operators, parking facilities were handed over to a single operator to manage traffic outside the station and charge a fee for entering the premises, with separate space allocated for all types of vehicles. Commercial vehicles were barred from entering the station without paying a fee.

"A committee was formed by the department to look into the problem, but its decision pending," said an NR official.

"We want the Railways to quickly solve the matter, as scuffles have become a daily issue and the GRP has no role in it," said the SHO, GRP, Charbagh.