Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Urban Academy, under the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department, conducted a Consultative Workshop last Thursday to discuss the Draft Parking Policy for Urban Odisha. The event convened senior government officials, municipal commissioners, transport experts, town planners, architects, civil society members, and academicians from across the state.
The workshop aimed to address the growing challenge of unregulated parking in Odisha’s rapidly expanding urban areas. Discussions revolved around building a comprehensive policy framework to ensure efficient parking management, ease traffic congestion, and enhance urban liveability.
The draft policy proposes a structured approach to both on-street and off-street parking, introduction of demand-based pricing, promotion of sustainable mobility (including walking, cycling, and public transport), better land utilisation, and the adoption of smart parking technologies.
Special Secretary of the H&UD Department, Rajesh Pravaakar Patil, delivered the keynote address, outlining the key features of the draft policy and its potential to improve traffic flow and create more citizen-friendly spaces.
A panel discussion moderated by Ashtha Malhotra featured expert insights from Mriganka Saxena, Zohra Mutabanna, Bankim Kalra, Aswathy Dilip, and Prof. Shalini Sinha. The discussion focused on Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and enforcement strategies.
Participants offered constructive feedback and recommendations on integrating emerging mobility trends, encouraging private sector involvement, and ensuring alignment with environmental sustainability goals.
Once finalised, the Draft Parking Policy will serve as a guiding framework for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha to implement efficient, transparent, and sustainable parking systems.
The initiative supports the vision of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to create inclusive, sustainable, and people-friendly urban environments throughout the state.
