The West Bengal government has announced a series of civic initiatives aimed at overhauling Kolkata’s parking system and improving urban infrastructure ahead of Durga Puja.
15000 legal parking spots identified
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said the process of reorganising and mapping areas under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will begin before the festive season. The department is also revamping the city’s parking management system in coordination with Kolkata Police.
According to the minister, around 15,000 authorised parking spaces across the KMC area have been identified. Fresh tenders will be floated for these parking zones, while parking attendants selected through the process will receive official identity cards and new uniforms.
Digital app to simplify parking payments
The state government is also developing a dedicated parking mobile application that will allow users to pay parking fees digitally and check the availability of vacant parking spaces in real time.
September fines target illegal roadside parking
From September 1, vehicles parked outside designated parking zones will attract fines, with commercial vehicles facing higher penalties. Enforcement will be carried out by Kolkata Police.
The government has also identified nearly 4,000 parking locations that currently generate no revenue. These sites may also be brought under the formal tender process.
Littering penalties proposed through police enforcement
In another major civic measure, fines will be imposed from September 1 for littering and spitting in public places. The minister said the government is considering authorising the police to enforce these penalties and will seek the Chief Minister’s approval.
Footbridges and flyover planned for congestion
To improve pedestrian safety and ease traffic congestion, the government is planning to construct two pedestrian footbridges near Ruby and Dalhousie. It is also exploring the construction of another flyover after Maa Flyover, which would connect Kolkata with New Town and Rajarhat, to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
