After the completion of the multi-level car parking (MLCP), vehicles along the Norzin Lam in Thimphu cannot park beyond 20 minutes.

New MLCP would provide parking space for about 570 vehicles. Norzin Lam has parking space for about 230 vehicles.

Pedestrianisation of the Norzin Lam was part of the Thimphu Thromde’s Structural Plan (2002-2027).

The first phase of the plan included landscaping and face-lifting of the area along the Norzin Lam. Building disabled-friendly footsteps along the road was one of them.

In August this year, Thimphu Thromde uploaded an animated video of the structure plan along the Norzin Lam. The video received over 44,000 views and 600 shares. Apart from comments, the post received positive feedback.

Thimphu Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee said that numerous consultations were held with the representatives and the business owners along the road. He added that in the last consultation meeting held this year, the people shared concerns about parking space and time.

Concerns were noted and temporary parking would be allowed. Removal of parking space along Norzin Lam would facilitate better fee collection and in keeping the city clean, he added.

Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee said that 50  percent of congestion along Norzin Lam was because of the vehicles going through the main street.

He said that with the opening of the MLCP, people could buy their groceries and other necessities from the shops at MLCP. “Chances are that Norzin Lam would lose their customers.”

Thromde’s chief urban planner, Thinley Norbu, said that apart from solving the traffic congestion issue along Norzin Lam, the thromde wanted to create a recreational space for the people. “Clock tower holds many events and functions and that is the only civic space in the town.”

Phurpa Lhamo

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