Senior Congress leader Pawan Dewan raises alarm over Malhar Road parking crisis

The Voice of Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and Ex-Chairman of Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan, has strongly voiced concern over the worsening parking crisis on Malhar Road, one of Ludhiana’s busiest roads. In a statement issued, Dewan emphasized that the parking problem has acquired such alarming proportions that it has now become a daily ordeal for shopkeepers, residents and visitors, leading to traffic congestion, safety hazards and disruption of business activity.

Dewan noted that Malhar Road, once envisioned as a road without traffic chaos, has now turned into a bottleneck due to inadequate parking infrastructure. “The absence of a structured parking plan has resulted in haphazard vehicle stoppages and frequent quarrels among commuters. This is not just an inconvenience; rather, it is a civic failure that demands immediate redressal,” he said.

Dewan pointed out that customers often avoid visiting Malhar Road due to the lack of safe and accessible parking. “The livelihood of shopkeepers and service providers, who rely heavily on customer footfall, is being directly affected. Parking should not be treated as a luxury; the Municipal Corporation must acknowledge it as an essential requirement for sustaining urban commerce,” he added.

Dewan urged the Municipal Corporation authorities to take urgent steps in this regard. Giving his suggestion for the resolution of the problem, Dewan said that MC should undertake a comprehensive exercise to identify and develop multi-level parking facilities in the vicinity of Malhar Road. “There is also a need for the introduction of smart parking solutions with digital monitoring to streamline space usage and consultation with local stakeholders to ensure practical and sustainable solutions”, he asserted.

Dewan stressed that Ludhiana, as Punjab’s industrial capital, cannot afford to let its infrastructure collapse under pressure. “If Malhar Road continues to suffer neglect, it will set a poor precedent for the city’s urban planning. The Corporation must act decisively to restore order and convenience for the public,” he added.

Calling for accountability, Dewan reminded the authorities that civic governance is about anticipating challenges and delivering solutions. “The people of Ludhiana deserve better. The Congress stands with citizens and traders in demanding immediate intervention on this crucial issue. Parking chaos must end, and Malhar Road must be restored to its rightful status as a vibrant, accessible hub,” he concluded.