Parking Crisis Unsolved, AMC Penalises 2,340 Vehicle Owners in Massive ₹15.24 Lakh Fine Drive

Ahmedabad: Rather than addressing the severe shortage of public parking spaces across Ahmedabad, the Estate Department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has cracked down heavily on motorists parking on roads and footpaths. Over a 24-day enforcement blitz, civic teams clamped down on 2,340 vehicles and collected ₹15.24 lakh in fines, triggering sharp reactions from residents who argue they are being penalised for a systemic lack of infrastructure.

Despite public transit networks like the Metro, AMTS, and BRTS, vehicle density across Ahmedabad continues to climb due to rapid urban expansion and an influx of new residents. With many residential societies and commercial complexes denying access to visitor vehicles or lacking adequate parking bays altogether, citizens are often left with no choice but to park along kerbsides and footpaths.

High Court Directives vs Ground Reality

The Gujarat High Court has repeatedly pulled up the AMC over recurring traffic snarls, illegal encroachments, and the glaring absence of designated parking facilities. While the court directed the civic body to build new parking structures and enforce effective utilization of existing basement spaces in private complexes, citizens complain that AMC has prioritized punitive action over constructive solutions.

Civic enforcement squads inspect key corridors daily, locking the wheels of illegally parked vehicles. Clamps are removed only after vehicle owners pay the prescribed administrative penalties.

Zone-Wise Revenue Breakup from Parking Fines

The Central Zone topped the fine collection drive, followed closely by the North West and East zones.

Allegations of Extortion and Anti-Encroachment Questions

The drive has also run into controversy following allegations of extortion against private contractual staff hired to assist Estate Department officials. Motorists have alleged that some contractual workers demand bribes under the table to unclamp wheels without issuing official receipts.

Simultaneously, the Estate Department reported removing 1,428 handcarts and street vendors across all seven zones over the same 24-day period. However, street hawkers and temporary stalls remain a common sight along major arteries, raising questions about the long-term efficacy of these clearance drives.