CNI News
June 4, 2026
In Yangon, where a large number of vehicles are driven daily, residents are facing parking difficulties alongside traffic congestion.
To resolve this issue, urban observers and economic analysts point out that the Yangon Region Government and the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) hold the responsibility, and there is a need to implement dedicated parking systems and smart parking systems.
When constructing dedicated parking facilities, the current land area of Yangon poses challenges due to the high density of high-rise buildings. Economic analyst U Thet Zaw told CNI News Agency that underground parking would be the most suitable solution.
"To speak in terms of the latest modern methods, it's about parking systems that use vertical chains. There are systems where many cars can be parked within a narrow land space. If built with that system, I think the parking issue will be resolved to some extent. Another point is that if underground parking lots are built in downtown Yangon, it could solve the problem. However, Myanmar lacks the technique to excavate underground. Furthermore, there is no system to prevent flooding. Therefore, if underground parking is to be implemented, it is a matter that requires significant consideration," he said.
Motor vehicles in urban Yangon.
Furthermore, allowing car imports without ensuring adequate parking spaces has caused daily traffic congestion in Yangon.
Urban observers and economic analysts also highlighted that due to the lack of dedicated parking lots, cars have to park on the streets. As a result, two-lane roads are reduced to single lanes, and allowing street vending on main roads further contributes to traffic congestion.
In alignment with the country's current parking requirements, there is a need to systematically monitor and integrate special parking systems into the construction of high-rise buildings, housing projects, and condominiums.
Former Member of Parliament Daw Sandar Min told CNI News Agency that those holding the position of Yangon Mayor are responsible for urban development, including the parking difficulties.
"This is the responsibility of the current Mayor. It is not our responsibility. I want to say that first. They took the position intending to be the Mayor, so they know what duties they have and what the main issues causing trouble in Yangon are. These Mayors and officials from the municipality have traveled abroad repeatedly. They go on study tours to see how other countries are developing, so why don't they make their own country better? That is their responsibility," she said.
Motor vehicles in urban Yangon.
Under the previous NLD government in 2017 and 2019, initiatives were undertaken to implement a smart parking system in Yangon. However, the project was later halted due to political transitions.
Consequently, there are pointers indicating that the current government also needs to continue implementing this project.
Regarding the construction of smart parking, foreign companies from Japan, China, Israel, and Singapore showed interest, and domestic companies were also enthusiastic about collaborating with these foreign firms.
For the dedicated parking system in Yangon, it is initially necessary to implement it in the six downtown townships: Kyauktada, Pabedan, Latha, Lanmadaw, Pazundaung, and Botahtaung. Following this, it needs to be continuously rolled out to other townships in Yangon where parking difficulties are most severe.
