Sitabuldi Shopkeepers Get Relief as Traffic Cops Notify Parking Spaces

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Sitabuldi road with marked parking and no hawkers

Sitabuldi parking rules: Sitabuldi, one of the most vibrant commercial hubs of Nagpur, has long been grappling with unregulated parking and hawker encroachments. But recently, a wave of relief swept through the area’s shopkeepers and daily visitors alike. Why? Because the Nagpur Traffic Police have finally stepped in with a structured and well-enforced parking notification.

Let’s dive deep into how this new parking system is reshaping Sitabuldi, what rules are in place, and how it might just be the turning point the area has been waiting for.

🛍️ The Lifeline of Nagpur: Why Sitabuldi Matters | Sitabuldi parking rules

A Hub of Commerce and Chaos

For decades, Sitabuldi has been the go-to spot for shopping, trading, and even socializing in Nagpur. But with its popularity came problems—namely, unplanned parking, street vendor congestion, and total traffic disorder.

Daily Struggles of Shopkeepers and Shoppers

Navigating Sitabuldi was nothing short of an obstacle course. Shopkeepers were losing customers due to lack of parking space. Hawkers took over footpaths and sometimes even parts of the road. This didn’t just disrupt business; it made the whole area hazardous.

🚓 The Game-Changer: New Parking Notification

A Timely Intervention by Traffic Police

The Nagpur Traffic Department, led by DCP Archit Chandak, took swift action after NMC removed unauthorized encroachments. This was followed by a detailed parking notification that brought clarity to where vehicles could be legally parked.

📍 New Parking Guidelines Simplified

Here’s a simplified breakdown of where vehicles can now be parked in Sitabuldi:

For Two-Wheelers (Left Side)

From Bala Footwear (Variety Square) to Raja Opticals
From Silky Lingerie to Khadi Gram Udyog
From Joshi Ice Cream to Old Parekh Jewellers, excluding:
- Rajaram Library Gate
- Road to Temple Bazar
- Gate in front of Rakesh Telange’s residence

For Four-Wheelers (Right Side)

From Bata Showroom (Variety Square) to Novelty
From Bombaywala to Dream Shoppee

Two-Wheelers (Right Side)

From Venkatesh Market to Parekh Jewellers, excluding:
- Modi No 1, 2, and 3 roads

These areas are now officially notified for vehicle parking as of May 19, 2025, and will stay in force until further orders.

⛔ No More Hawkers: 30-Meter Restriction

The Encroachment Issue Finally Addressed

The notification also prohibits hawkers from setting up stalls within 30 meters of the designated roads and turns. This comes after several failed attempts to regulate hawkers in the area.

Why It Took So Long

Despite previous efforts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and court orders, hawkers often returned to reclaim space. In some cases, legal battles dragged on, making enforcement inconsistent and weak.

⚖️ Legal Battle in the High Court

The Shopkeepers’ Long Road to Justice

Shopkeepers eventually had to approach the High Court for resolution. The court acknowledged the area as a non-hawking zone back in 2000. However, due to administrative lapses and political pressure, enforcement remained patchy.

🏢 The Role of the Town Vending Committee

Who Decides What?

Under Rule 11 of the Maharashtra Street Vendors Act (2016), the Town Vending Committee—led by the Municipal Commissioner—has the power to regulate vending zones. Sitabuldi is officially marked a non-hawking zone since 2001.

🧑‍⚖️ Missed Meetings and Decisive Moves

Sources say hawker representatives skipped three consecutive committee meetings, giving authorities the legal edge to clear the area. Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhary, the current Municipal Commissioner, acted decisively this time, relocating hawkers to Maharajbag.

📈 The Problem of Unauthorized Hawkers

Numbers That Tell a Story

The situation has worsened over time. What was once 70 hawkers in the 1990s has ballooned to over 700, most of them unauthorized. This surge has paralyzed movement and created an uneven playing field for legal businesses.

🗺️ Previous Relocations and Their Failures

The Netaji Market Experiment

In 2016, hawkers were given alternative space at Netaji Market, but none relocated. Why? Lack of footfall, poor infrastructure, and sheer defiance.

📜 Legal Provisions That Back the Action

What the Law Says

The Street Vendors Act, 2014 – Prevents undue harassment of vendors but also regulates their operation.
SC Orders – Mandate that hawking be restricted within:
- 100 meters of places of worship, schools, and hospitals
- 150 meters of markets and railway stations

Sitabuldi falls under these restrictions due to its proximity to other markets and religious landmarks.

🛑 Why Authorities Failed Earlier

H3: Lack of Political Will and Monitoring

Even after court orders and Town Vending Committee directives, previous enforcement efforts fizzled out due to poor monitoring and lack of follow-up.

✅ What’s Different This Time?

H2: Enforcement Backed by Policy

This time, the authorities have:

Notified 11 roads for on-street parking
Provided alternative space for hawkers
Created strict monitoring protocols

💬 Voices From the Ground

H3: Shopkeepers Speak Out

Vijay Agrawal, Secretary of the Sitabuldi Merchants Association, said:

“This is the first time enforcement is serious. If the administration remains committed, Sitabuldi will truly thrive again.”

🌐 A Vision for the Future

With designated hawker-free zones, well-marked parking, and active monitoring, Sitabuldi could once again become a hassle-free commercial destination. But this vision depends on continued vigilance and cooperation between citizens and the administration.

A New Chapter for Sitabuldi

Sitabuldi’s long-pending issues with traffic and hawkers are finally being addressed with clarity and courage. The new parking rules and no-hawking zones give much-needed breathing space to both shopkeepers and shoppers. But let’s face it—real change depends on consistent enforcement and public support. If Nagpur gets this right, Sitabuldi could set the benchmark for urban commercial regulation across India.