Bilal Kanjal
The parking situation has deteriorated on Murree Road as the mega project of metro bus has eaten up the places reserved for parking as a result of which the citizens are suffering. The concerned quarters have failed to take steps to resolve the situation so far.
The extension and repairing of the road has created many problems for the shoppers and residents in areas nearby as there are only two parking plazas on Murree Road beneath the flyovers.
‘The people coming to market leave their vehicles on the road outside the market increasing the congestion. Thus, more than half of the road vanishes under these vehicles,’ said Sajid Abbas while talking to Pakistan Today.
Another citizen, Jafar Iqbal said that the extension and repairing of the Murree Road due to launch of metro bus has given birth to parking woes on this road. ‘Where the rulers and what are they doing,’ he added.
The traffic burden of vehicles from service roads shifts to the main road which causes further problems for the people. People cover the distance of minutes in hours on this road especially from Benazir Shaheed Hospital to Liaqat Bagh. Commuters also use service road on the both sides of the road for parking purposes.
Despite active performance by the traffic police, one can’t see any reduction in parking dilemmas. During a visit, it was observed that the basements of shopping halls are given on rent instead of using for parking as is the norm all over the world.
The citizens whether they are school or college going children, businessmen, government employees or others feel difficulty in their work by going through this road.
Ishfaq, a local who faced an accident in the past said that it has become routine for accidents to happen on Murree Road. Despite repeated attempts, the city traffic officer (CTO), Rawalpindi was not available for comments.