Pathanamthitta: Traders in Pandalam are facing mounting frustration as the lack of adequate parking space hampers business operations during the eagerly anticipated Onam season. Traders who had gathered in Pandalam with high hopes of capitalising on the festive season have found themselves trapped in a disheartening situation due to parking woes. The combination of limited parking options and police interventions for petty issues has left roadside vendors feeling disheartened and inconvenienced.
Hopes were high among the traders that the Onam season would provide an opportunity to recover from the financial setbacks endured during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the reality gives a different picture, with traffic congestion and police restrictions at key junctions posing significant challenges. The vicinity near the Private Bus Stand is officially designated as the city corporation’s parking area. However, the inadequate parking facilities, compounded by the constant traffic congestion, often force people to park their vehicles along the roadside to access goods and services. This, in turn, has prompted police intervention in the form of signboards being installed at various locations in the junction.
The situation escalated as traffic violations led to ticketing, pushing potential customers away from the Pandalam area and causing significant setbacks for local traders. Despite the government’s efforts to implement traffic management reforms since 2022, the issue of parking congestion continues to persist. Two-wheelers often find themselves at the receiving end of minor infractions due to the lack of viable parking spaces. Instances of law-breaking, including the unauthorised parking of KSRTC buses, have become commonplace in the Pandalam area, raising concerns among local residents.
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