Meghalaya Cabinet Approves Urban Parking Policy 2025 to Regulate On-Street Parking

The primary objective of the policy is to regulate parking and ease traffic congestion rather than generate revenue.

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Urban Parking Policy 2025, introducing a structured mechanism to regulate on-street parking across urban areas in the state. As part of this initiative, roadside parking will no longer be free, and a zonal task force will oversee the phased implementation of the policy. The initiative is a key component of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan, designed to improve urban traffic management.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the necessity of the policy, citing an extensive study conducted in key locations such as Laitumkhrah, Police Bazar, and Bara Bazar. The findings revealed that these areas accommodate around 1,500 to 2,000 parked vehicles daily. A nominal parking fee of Rs 20 per vehicle for a few hours is expected to generate an annual revenue of Rs 40 crore. However, the primary objective of the policy is to regulate parking and ease traffic congestion rather than generate revenue.

With rapid urbanization, Shillong and other urban centres have been facing growing parking and traffic challenges. The lack of a structured parking system has led to random vehicle parking, causing congestion and inconvenience to commuters. The issue has also raised concerns among local Dorbars and community leaders, prompting the government to take action.

Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sangma explained that the policy applies to all growing urban areas in Meghalaya, not just Shillong. He emphasized that the policy aims to designate specific parking zones, preventing random roadside parking and ensuring smoother traffic movement.

“This parking policy is part of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan passed last year in the Cabinet specifically for Shillong. However, it will also cover other urban areas in the state. We are hopeful that this policy will help regulate street parking, prevent random parking, and introduce a system where specific zones are assigned for parking,” he stated.

To ensure effective implementation, the policy has been developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including the police, the urban affairs department, the transport department, and local headmen. The city will be divided into different zones, and local communities will be actively involved in the enforcement process.

The government also plans to support local organizations, Dorbars, and development committees in creating additional parking spaces. If any community or organization owns the land and wishes to convert it into a dedicated parking lot, the government will provide financial assistance and collaborate with them to expand urban parking facilities.

The Meghalaya Urban Parking Policy 2025 is expected to bring much-needed relief to Shillong and other urban centres, improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, and enhancing urban mobility.

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