Once fully operational, the GMDA expects to generate Rs 50 lakh per annum in revenue.
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After years of complaints from residents and commuters about the pathetic condition of the Fancy Bazaar parking lot on Jail Road, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has finally announced plans to revamp the facility.
The decision comes after increasing frustration among residents and commuters over the poor maintenance of the facility, frequent waterlogging, and the chaos caused by vehicles often getting stuck in the muddy parking lot.
In 2020, GMDA opened the 7,280 sq. m. parking facility within the Old Central Jail premises to reduce congestion in Fancy Bazaar, one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Northeast.
Equipped with a high-tech artificial intelligence-based vehicle recognition and automated fee collection system developed by a Mumbai-based firm, the parking lot was initially hailed as a smart solution to the area’s traffic woes.
In 2023, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) introduced a high-tech parking system at the Fancy Bazaar parking facility located within the premises of the old Guwahati Central Jail. The facility was equipped with an artificial intelligence-based vehicle recognition system and an automated fee collection mechanism, developed by a Mumbai-based software company.
This smart system was designed to streamline operations and manage the heavy inflow of vehicles in Fancy Bazaar, one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Northeast, which sees over a million vehicles annually. The AI-based technology allowed for efficient recognition of vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot, ensuring better monitoring and management of the space.
However, by 2024, the facility had become a source of complaints rather than convenience. Visitors and residents repeatedly pointed out the muddy conditions, lack of proper drainage, and poor traffic management inside the lot, particularly during the rainy season.
Residents and commuters voiced their grievances about the parking lot’s condition to GPlus:
A frequent visitor, visibly upset after his car got stuck in the mud, said, “I visit Fancy Bazaar regularly. Today, I came with my wife to shop, but the parking lot was a disaster. We entered through the new high-tech gate and got our parking coupon, but they didn’t warn us about the muddy conditions. My car got stuck, and I had to spend hours trying to get it out. Why are we paying parking fees if basic facilities aren’t provided?”
Another commuter talking to GPlus said, “This is the only parking space available in Fancy Bazaar, but it’s not usable during the rainy season. Waterlogging is a serious issue, and cars get stuck in the mud. The government charges us but doesn’t maintain the facility. It’s unfair.”
A resident of Jail Road added, “The condition of this parking lot is terrible. Vehicles get stuck all the time. The department needs to address this issue because Fancy Bazaar is a major commercial area. Parking here should be convenient, not a nightmare.”
Drivers who use the lot for work also voiced their concerns. One driver told GPlus, “We pay parking fees, but the facilities are horrible. Cars are blocked with no proper exit routes, and there’s no alternative parking available outside.”
The ongoing complaints and backlash from residents and commuters have finally compelled authorities to take action.
Talking to GPlus, a senior GMDA official told GPlus, “We acknowledge the issues at the Fancy Bazaar parking lot and are taking steps to address them. The lot will be revamped soon. We expect to generate Rs 50 lakh per annum in revenue once the facility is fully operational.”
The official explained that the parking lot has been leased to a private lessee, but its maintenance and upgrades require government approval. “We are waiting for final approval from the government. Once we have it, the construction work will begin immediately,” the official added.
While the announcement has brought some relief to residents, many argue that the revamp is long overdue. Fancy Bazaar, which hosts over a million vehicles annually, is a key business hub in Guwahati. The lack of functional parking facilities not only inconveniences shoppers but also adds to the traffic congestion in the area.
A commuter remarked, “The parking lot was a great idea when it started, but poor maintenance ruined it. It’s good to hear about the revamp, but the government should ensure regular upkeep after it’s completed.”
With GMDA’s commitment to revamping the Fancy Bazaar parking lot, residents and commuters hope for a more efficient and user-friendly facility. The planned upgrades are expected to address waterlogging, improve vehicle management, and create a smoother experience for everyone visiting the area.
However, until the construction begins, the parking woes of Fancy Bazaar will likely continue, leaving commuters to navigate the challenges of a facility that was meant to make their lives easier.
But the questions remain: When will the government grant the necessary approval for the project to begin? How long will people continue to struggle with the current conditions in the meantime? Until action is taken, the parking woes of Fancy Bazaar are far from over.