New parking lot for heavy vehicles in Thane may reduce traffic

Though Thane city is developing at a fast pace, availability of parking space remains a big issue. While residents find it difficult to find a parking spot, many heavy vehicles are illegally parked on the road leading to traffic jams. 

But, all this is set to change as the state government has approved TMC's proposal to build a parking depot for heavy vehicles at Balkum.

Thane roads are entry and exit points for vehicles from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Nashik. Along with the local vehicles, the heavy vehicles coming from neighbouring cities add to the traffic woes of the residents. Therefore, to regulate the entry of these heavy vehicles into the city, a parking depot will be built on the outskirts of Thane at Balkum.

"The state government has given its nod to turn a 6.25 acre plot into a state-of-the-art parking depot at Balkum," says Eknath Shinde, guardian minister for Thane. This plot was earlier reserved for Thane ST (state transport) workshop. But, looking at the grave traffic scenario, aggravated by heavy vehicles parked along the roads, the reservation was lifted. "The proposal to lift the reservation on the plot and use it for parking was approved by the general body of the Thane Municipal Corporation," he adds.

This news has been received well by Thanekars, who themselves struggle to find a decent parking space in the city. "This is good news, as these big buses and trucks parked along the road cause traffic jams," says Ulhas Kulkarni from Gladys Alvares road. "While our vehicles are towed away by the traffic department, nobody takes action against the huge vehicles parked illegally," he says.

Another citizen, Kasber Augustine, commends the move. "Smart move for a smart city," he says. "It would be good if school buses will also be parked at the new parking depot. It will lessen traffic congestion," he adds.