SARBHANG

May 19: The number of taxis on the roads of Gelephu has increased over the years. But the parking space has remained the same. Taxi Drivers are now complaining that the new parking areas should be put into use to ease parking congestion. 

This taxi parking area located in the heart of Gelephu town can accommodate only 25 taxis. But there are more than 100 taxis in the dungkhag. 

Owing to the shortage of space, taxi drivers have to park in whatever little space they can find. Our reporter Karma Wangdi says it’s worse during the weekend.

A taxi driver told BBS that with the space limited, there is every chance of accidents. He said they should be allowed to use the two new parking areas immediately. 

The Taxi Tshogpa of Gelephu, Tashi, said the issue about the parking space was discussed several times by the concerned authority and taxi drivers. He said the municipal authority had promised to provide new parking at the end of last year. However they are yet to get one. 

The Municipal in Charge, Chogyal said that they have constructed two parking spaces in the town to solve the problem.  He said the new parking area will be handed over to the taxi drivers soon after the municipal office takes over from the contractor. One of the new taxi parking is in front of the BAFRA office and the other is behind the RICB office.  

However, taxi drivers say the present taxi parking area is more convenient for them and the passengers. This is because it is centrally located and close to the vegetable market.