Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan is home to more than 120,000 people, and around 69,000 vehicles. As a rapidly growing city, the lack of parking space is a challenge. This challenge travels through the city carrying with it challenges that affect residents of the city.
Tshering collects parking fees along Norzin Lam, one of the core town areas.
The 35-year-old was recently transferred to this area, near BOB office. He has been in this job for three years.
Describing Norzin Lam as the heart of the city, Tshering says finding a parking space is often a challenge for drivers.
“This area lies along the main road with offices such as the Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Insurance Limited, RICB, and the handicraft centre. There is more demand for parking during the day time. Each parking fee collector is assigned around 18 parking spaces, but nearly 70 vehicles arrive and fill them quickly.”
He added that working days are the most congested, whereas weekends see congestion during evening hours.
“At times, people park their vehicles after 5 or 6 PM and leave them there for the entire day. Even when we wait until 11 PM, they do not return.”
Parking fees are levied from 9 AM to 9 PM and motorists are charged 21 ngultrum for every half hour, with Goods and Services Tax applied. However, parking fee collectors like Tshering say limited parking spaces and long parking durations during peak hours make it difficult to manage the increasing number of vehicles, particularly along busy commercial areas.
According to Thimphu Thromde, there are more than 1,800 parking spaces with nearly 950 in the main town area.
In addition to its population, Thimphu is also host to patients, farmers, pilgrims, traders, shoppers, jobseekers and entrepreneurs. They share the same concerns as Tshering.
Karma Dorji, a taxi driver said, “These days, the number of cars is more while parking space is limited so, it is difficult to get a parking space. Sometimes we waste 30 minutes to one hour looking for a parking space, making rounds. If the Thromde can work on expanding the parking areas, it would benefit us.”
Pema Gyelpo, a commuter said, “We have to make four to five rounds to get a parking space. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes. I think this is due to the increasing number of vehicles here in the Thromde. Ten years back, it was convenient.”
Rinchen Yangzom, another taxi driver said, “In Thimphu, as we all know, year by year, the number of vehicles is drastically increasing. However, parking is limited. Getting a space to park our cars is really a problem.”
Parking shortages worsen during major events, particularly during festivities and religious gatherings.
Thimphu Thromde did not comment on the issue.
With more vehicles entering Thimphu each year, limited parking space remains a challenge the city has yet to overcome.
Kelzang Chhophyel
