Panjab University chock-a-block with haphazard parking

Akashdeep Virk

Chandigarh, July 12

After receiving a knee-jerk response to the implementation of “car free” campus once a month last year, the Panjab University authorities are now facing a tough time tackling parking woes on the campus, especially during the morning and afternoon hours.

The much-hyped pilot project was launched last September, but only to receive criticism from the campus residents, faculty members and students. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) had also suggested taking steps to reduce vehicular traffic on the campus. Later, a traffic management committee was formed and spots witnessing heavy traffic were identified. “The recommendations of the committee include opening of the exit gate located near the University Institute of Law Studies (UILS). The widening of Gate 3 was also recommended besides the hiring of private contractors to manage the parking lots on the campus,” said a senior functionary of the university.

To ease the traffic, the university also started the electric rickshaw and shuttle bus services, but the problem still persists. “The introduction of the electric rickshaw and shuttle bus services only benefited students having no conveyance to commute on the campus. The students, who come by own vehicles, don’t use these services. Car-free campus is a great idea, but the university lacks the infrastructure to manage it,” said Rajat Puri, a student.

Students alleged that allowing the faculty and staff to bring vehicles and banning it for students is discriminatory. “The ban should be for all. The authorities should work on finding a permanent solution, rather than run pilot projects,” said another student.