Chandigarh: Parking pangs at PGIMER amid pending project

Chandigarh’s premier medical referral hub, the Post‑Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), continues to attract large numbers of patients from neighbouring states even as its public parking facilities remain inadequate. The institute, a cornerstone of the region’s health‑care system, draws individuals seeking specialized treatment that is often unavailable closer to home.

Spread over 277 acres, the campus accommodates numerous specialty departments, diagnostic laboratories, research centres and teaching hospitals, creating a complex environment that supports both patient care and medical education.

Despite the scale of the facility, the number of publicly accessible parking spaces falls short of demand, leading to frequent congestion and difficulty for visitors who arrive by private vehicle. The limited parking area, situated near the main entrance, often fills quickly, forcing patients and attendants to seek space on adjacent streets or in informal lots.

Health officials and civic planners have identified the shortage as a recurring challenge, and a project aimed at expanding parking capacity is currently pending approval. The proposed development, which would add several multi‑storey parking structures adjacent to the main entrance, is intended to alleviate the pressure on existing lots while the institute continues to see a steady influx of patients.

At present, the timing of the project’s implementation remains unclear, and no official timeline hasbeen disclosed, leaving the growing demand for parking unaddressed. The pending status indicates ongoing consideration, though no public details about funding, construction phases or completion dates have been released.

Patients and visitors have experienced that the lack of adequate parking adds to the stress of an already demanding medical journey. The inconvenience is particularly felt during peak hours when the influx of outpatient appointments and emergency cases peaks.

The situation underscores a broader tension between the institute’s expanding role as a regional health hub and the city’s infrastructure constraints. As Chandigarh continues to develop its urban landscape, the case of PGIMER highlights the importance of aligning health‑care infrastructure with ancillary services such as parking, road connectivity and public transport.

While the pending parking project promises a longer‑term remedy, potential interim measures are being considered, such as enhanced signage, temporary parking arrangements or the allocation of existing spaces for priority use, to support smoother access for those who rely on the institute.

As the region grapples with increasing vehicular traffic and limited land availability, the PGIMER parking issue serves as a reminder that medical facilities, no matter how large, must be supported by complementary urban planning to serve the community effectively.

The institute’s reputation for handling complicated surgical procedures and rare diseases draws patients from various neighboring states, making it a focal point for health‑seeking populations across the northern region.

Traffic congestion around the campus has been observed, which can affect the timely arrival of patients and emergency services. While the institute maintains dedicated ambulance routes, the overall congestion may impact the efficiency of urgent care delivery.

The parking shortage has been noted by local authorities as part of ongoing transport planning discussions, though no definitive action plan has been presented to date.

Chandigarh’s urban development plans include provisions for additional health‑care infrastructure, though the timing of such projects can vary.

For patients who travel long distances, the added burden of finding parking can affect timeliness of appointments and overall experience, reinforcing the need for a coordinated approach between the institute’s administration and local authorities.

Source: Hindustan Times