In a significant move to address the perennial problem of traffic congestion in the national capital’s bustling commercial hubs, the Delhi Traffic Police has launched an innovative pilot project titled the "Right-Left Parking" initiative. The trial began on Wednesday (Jan 14, 2026) at the Krishna Market in Kalkaji, South Delhi, a location long plagued by haphazard parking and narrow lanes.
Understanding the Scheme: How it Works
The core philosophy of this initiative is "alternating relief." Under the new rules, vehicles are permitted to park on only one designated side of the road on a specific day. For instance, if parking is allowed on the left side on Monday, all vehicles must shift to the right side on Tuesday.
This replaces the current "free-for-all" system where cars are often parked on both sides of already narrow roads. By restricting parking to a single side, the authorities aim to double the available space for vehicular movement, allowing two-way traffic to flow without the constant "bottleneck" effect caused by double-sided parking.
The Rationale Behind the Move
The "Right-Left" system is a response to the unique geography of Delhi’s older markets. Marketplaces like Kalkaji, Laxmi Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar were not originally designed for the sheer volume of cars they now handle.
Dinesh Kumar Gupta, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), explained the necessity of the project, “Currently, cars are parked on both sides of the road leading to chaos for those coming in and going out. However, if we park cars on one side of the road, traffic will ease for both sides as it will give more space for traffic flow."
The pilot project of car parking also introduces diagonal parking instead of horizontal parking. This geometric shift allows more cars to fit into the same linear stretch while ensuring they don't protrude too far into the driving lane.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Challenges
The implementation of such a radical change is rarely without friction. Initial reports suggest that the Delhi Traffic Police held multiple meetings with local Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and shopkeepers. While there was initial pushback regarding convenience, the authorities emphasized that a stagnant market—where customers cannot even enter due to jams—is worse for business than a regulated parking system.
To ensure success, the government has deployed:
- 12 traffic police officials specifically for the two-kilometer stretch in Kalkaji.
- Signboards and road markings to clearly demarcate the "parking side of the day."
- Support from 1,200 Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) personnel to guide commuters across various trial zones.
Expert Opinion and Future Outlook
While the initiative has been welcomed by many daily commuters, urban planning experts remain cautiously optimistic. Dr. S. Velumurugan, Chief Scientist at the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), noted that the success of the project depends entirely on strict enforcement.
"The success of this initiative heavily depends on the demarcations, markings, and signboards," he stated. He also highlighted that the police must strictly penalize "improper parking" to ensure people take the new rules seriously. Without a deterrent, the old habits of haphazard parking are likely to return.
If the Krishna Market trial proves successful over the next 10 days, the Delhi Traffic Police plans to expand the model to other "choke points" including Laxmi Nagar, Ashok Vihar, and the side lanes of Sarojini Nagar.
Final Take
The "Right-Left" parking scheme represents a shift from building more infrastructure to managing existing space more intelligently. For the residents of Delhi, it is a reminder that urban mobility is a shared responsibility. While the government provides the framework, the ultimate success of such decongestion drives rests on the discipline of the citizens.
