LUCKNOW, Oct. 14 -- Traffic congestion continues unabated outside the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) headquarters in Lalbagh, even as the civic body's crane operation to tow illegally parked vehicles enters its second month. The drive, launched in September under a public-private partnership, targets no-parking zones in four key areas: Hazratganj, Alambagh, Vidhan Sabha routes, and Lalbagh.

LMC chief engineer Manoj Prabhat said the private agency currently operates eight cranes across the four zones, with two vehicles reserved for VIP movements and two on standby. "The LMC can impose fines on vehicles parked illegally to keep traffic moving smoothly. The municipal commissioner can even levy maximum penalties for wrong-side parking,"...