January 29: Finding parking space in Thimphu is very difficult. There is parking space for only 1,300 vehicles but every year the vehicle number in the capital city is growing by 2,500. On weekends, finding parking space at the weekend vegetable market is a nightmare.

“We have to drop the passengers at different places; it is very difficult to get parking,” says Yeshi, a taxi driver.

The roads are also being used by motorists to park their cars leading to traffic congestion.

The problem is worse along the Norzin Lam, where the parking space is always packed.

Lack of parking space is also problematic for shopkeepers who deal with electronic goods.

Ram Badhur Chettri, a sales man says “it is difficult to carry heavy items like fridge.”

The Thimphu City Corporation has plans to make new parking space. They have already identified four areas to construct a multi-level parking.

A car park will be built in front of the Royal Civil Service Commission’s office. There is parking space for only 220 vehicles. An average 400 vehicles are parked there every day. With the number of vehicles growing by 2,500 every year, will the parking space problem be resolved at all.