Bengaluru: To reduce the clogging of roads in areas like the Silk Board junction, KR Puram, and Hebbal, the new parking policy prevents intercity and interstate buses from moving through the city.

In the past decade, the idea of restricting long-distance buses from entering the city’s periphery has been tried several times. Previously, to achieve this goal, north-bound buses were shifted to the Basaveshara Terminal in Peenya.

The policy aims to put an end to multiple pick-ups and drop-off points, waiting and halting of buses within city limits. This policy is expected to reduce the overall congestion by a considerable percentage.

Satellite bus stations and depots for private and state-run intercity, and interstate busses will be built at strategic locations. Crossroads of major highways entering the city and the peripheral ring road alignment are considered to be the preferred locations for these bus depots as per the policy.

The policy also adds that if private buses need to pick and drop passengers at various spots within the city, these buses cannot be parked on public roads, and operators will only be allowed to do provided if they park on their premises.

The policy is expected to implemented in full-scale in a phased manner. Initially, vehicles carrying essential commodities will have to use small vehicles to transport goods into the city, and time-based restrictions for parking will be introduced.

But, in the long run, authorities have plans to set up truck terminals with warehousing facilities near the periphery of the city. There are also plans to move the wholesale markets to the city borders.