Bhubaneswar: Buying a car in Odisha may soon come with a new prerequisite- proof of parking. The state government's draft Urban Parking Policy proposes mandatory parking certificates for vehicle registration, effectively denying purchase permission to those without a designated slot.

Issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, the draft invites public feedback until the 28th. The move comes as vehicle numbers have surged from 9.1 million in 2017-18 to 15 million in 2023-24, choking urban roads and worsening congestion.

The policy outlines paid parking for both on-street and off-street spaces, with stricter enforcement against random roadside parking. Roads narrower than 12 meters will see a complete ban, while violators face fines. Off-street parking will be priced 25% lower than on-street to encourage its use.

Special rules are planned near hospitals, schools, and markets, with higher charges during peak hours. Parking on footpaths will be barred, and mobile apps will be introduced for slot booking and fee payment.

Urban local bodies will set up Parking Authorities to oversee enforcement, fee collection, and towing. Heavy vehicles may also face restrictions during peak hours, signaling a comprehensive push to unclog Odisha's cities.