Rajkot: City police have declared the cycle tracks, service roads and footpaths along the 11-km 150-Foot Ring Road a no-parking zone, seeking to restore space meant for cyclists and pedestrians on one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors.The 150-Foot Ring Road, stretching from Madhapar Chowkdi to Gondal Chowkdi, was developed as a model road with cycle tracks, parking areas and footpaths. Over the years, encroachments and unauthorized parking consumed these spaces, leading to traffic congestion and leaving little room for pedestrians and cyclists.Through a notification issued on Monday, city police formally designated the cycle tracks, adjoining service roads and footpaths along the route a strict no-parking zone.According to the order, cycle tracks were created to ensure the safety and convenience of cyclists. Authorities found that private and other vehicles were frequently parked on cycle tracks, service roads and footpaths.“This illegal parking blocks the cycle lanes, forcing cyclists onto the main carriageway amid heavy traffic and creating severe accident hazards. In addition to endangering non-motorized transport users, parked vehicles caused bottlenecks for traffic and hindered pedestrians. Despite previous penal measures against errant drivers, violations continued, prompting the formal declaration of the entire stretch’s cycle tracks, service roads and footpaths as a no-parking corridor,” the notification states.The order warns that motorists found violating this regulation will face action under Sections 183 and 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.The road carries the city’s only BRTS route and links several key areas. It has evolved into a major commercial corridor lined with malls, theatres, high-rise buildings, commercial complexes and restaurants. The stretch also serves traffic heading to the Shapar-Veraval industrial area from Jamnagar Road, Raiya Road and University Road. With the city’s expansion, the 150-Foot Ring Road has become one of Rajkot’s busiest roads.
