Kolkata: Kolkata Traffic Police is looking for more parking space near major Durga Puja pandals after complaints from motorists that they often have to walk 1-2 km from official parking areas to reach the pandals.Several new pandals are expected to draw large crowds this year. Police are working with local police stations to find extra parking spots near these areas.Lalbazar officials said at least seven pandals in central and south Kolkata may see a 50%-80% rise in visitors. Police are checking whether smaller roads and lanes can be used for parking, but said local residents should not face problems. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has also been asked for inputs.Police said the main challenge is to manage traffic, pedestrians and parking at the same time. Many of the new attractions are close to already popular pandals. These include areas such as Park Street, Chetla-Alipore, Kidderpore, Behala and Santoshpur.All traffic guards have been asked to submit traffic circulation plans for the new crowd-puller pandals by next week. They have also been asked to suggest alternative parking areas. These will be checked by the end of the month.Police admitted that parking near pandals remains a major problem. They said illegal parking will be strictly controlled because it reduces road space and worsens congestion. From Chaturthi, police will follow a “chase-and-challan” policy against illegal parking.Visitors have also asked for clearer parking signs. Some said they struggled last year because police could not guide them to official parking areas near major pandals.
