Panchkula: Thousands of devotees visiting the ancient Prachin Shree Kali Mata Mandir in Kalka continue to face daily traffic jams and congestion due to the lack of a basic parking facility, despite repeated election promises by the state govt.The issue worsens during Navratri when peak footfalls force visitors to park along narrow, potholed roadsides stretching up to Parwanoo near the Himachal border. The parking site was originally proposed by the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board (SMMDSB) on land adjacent to the temple, a project publicly announced by former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in 2023 and re-promised by the BJP ahead of the 2024 assembly elections.Local residents and political figures highlight that the absence of parking impacts temple visitors, market patrons, commuters, and residents alike. Responding to the delay, Panchkula deputy commissioner Satpal Sharma cited land availability as the primary bottleneck, stating, “Finding land for the parking lot is an issue. As we find it, we will construct it.” Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma was unavailable for phone comments.Ramesh Kumar, a local resident, noted the ongoing inconvenience: “During Navratri, visitors park vehicles up to Parwanoo as there is no space. Since Kalka shares a border with Himachal, traffic flow is already high here and the absence of a parking lot makes things worse. The issue must be addressed immediately as devotees to the temple, visitors to the market, travellers and local residents all are facing huge inconvenience. Why authorities have failed to find a land for so many years?”Political opposition has also slammed the delay. Vijay Bansal, president of Shivalik Vikas Manch and Congress functionary, said: “During the 2024 assembly elections, the BJP had promised to start the construction work of the parking facility within two months of winning; however, even after two years—let alone two months—no parking facility has been built, causing significant hardship for devotees. It is an ancient Hindu temple and even the town of Kalka derives its name directly from the goddess and this ancient shrine.”
