The Broadway parking issue has been referred to the Kochi City Planning Committee for a long-term solution

The council also decided, at the request of shop owners, to call for tenders to manage the parking spaces on Broadway. Photo file | Photo credit: RK Nithin

The Kochi Corporation Council has directed the City Planning Committee (TPC) to conduct a detailed study to find a permanent solution to parking problems on Broadway, taking into consideration the recommendations of the Traffic Regulation Committee.

Mayor VK Minimol directed the TPC to identify potential parking space and take steps to relocate street vendors encroaching on Broadway pavements to designated vending zones, freeing up space for pedestrians. She said the solution should be implemented by November-December, ahead of the busy Christmas season. The topic was on the agenda of Thursday’s council meeting.

Ms. Minimol said the Traffic Regulatory Committee had recommended a ban on parking along Broadway and asked the Corporation to communicate its decision on the matter. However, the council was generally opposed to a blanket ban on parking without an alternative arrangement in place.

Councilor Priya Prashanth said such a ban without providing an alternative parking space would only shift the problem from Broadway to nearby Menaka. “The company is also obliged to facilitate trade in light of Broadway’s status as a thriving commercial centre,” she said.

Councilor Augustin Sebastian said the two-wheelers were parked in three rows, making it difficult to even walk down Broadway. To make matters worse, according to him, the footpath continued to be occupied by vendors.

Councilman Henry Austin insisted on moving sidewalk vendors to designated sales zones, pointing out that their presence adversely affects the business of Broadway store owners. Due to parking along the road and taking over the sidewalks, the shops were left with only a narrow entrance area, which the owners demarcated with chains. According to him, there should be a holistic solution combining dedicated alternative parking facilities and relocation of vendors.

The council also decided, at the request of the shop owners, to call for tenders for the management of the parking areas on Broadway, with grounds maintenance and a cap on parking fees also included in the terms of reference.

Published – 8 Oct 2026 21:19 IST