Chandigarh set for sharp rise in parking rates, final decision soon

• Four-wheelers: Rs 20 for up to four hours (up from Rs 14)

• Monthly parking passes:

• Private four-wheelers: Rs 355 for underground parking, Rs 475 for open parking

• Commercial vehicles: Rs 945 per month

• Parking time limits: Monthly pass holders can park for a maximum of 12 hours at a stretch, beyond which additional charges will apply.

Revenue boost and past controversies

Currently, Chandigarh has 87 designated parking sites, accommodating over 15,000 vehicles at a time. The municipal corporation earns approximately ₹1.05 crore per month from parking fees, of which Rs 65-70 lakh is spent on maintenance and other expenses, leaving a profit of about ₹35 lakh. With the revised rates, the civic body expects to earn around ₹1 crore in monthly profit.

Historical Context of Parking Fee Revisions in Chandigarh

Chandigarh has witnessed multiple revisions to its parking fee structure over the years:

• 2017: In March, the MC doubled parking fees, increasing car charges from Rs 5 to Rs 10 per entry (valid for four hours) and two-wheeler fees from Rs 2 to Rs 5. This hike was part of the city’s transition to ‘smart’ parking systems, incorporating features like digital signboards, CCTV cameras, and e-ticketing machines.

• 2018: Further adjustments were made in December 2017, with plans for another increase in April 2018. The revised rates introduced a slab system: Rs 5 for two-wheelers and Rs 10 for four-wheelers for the first four hours, with additional charges for extended durations. These changes aimed to discourage excessive use of private vehicles and fund the implementation of smart parking facilities.

• 2022: In February, the MC implemented a 17% hike in parking fees for Zone 1, raising four-wheeler charges from Rs 12 to Rs 14 and two-wheeler fees from Rs 6 to Rs 7. This increase was part of an annual adjustment approved in the municipal contracts.

Controversies Surrounding Parking Fee Increases

Parking fee hikes in Chandigarh have often sparked debates and opposition:

• 2018: The proposed rate increases led to political disputes within the municipal corporation. While some officials opposed the hikes, citing concerns over public burden, others defended them as necessary for implementing smart parking solutions and improving revenue.

• 2023: In August, a proposal to double parking fees for non-tricity vehicles was met with criticism. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit directed the MC to roll back the decision, emphasizing the need for uniform parking rates irrespective of vehicle origin.