There may be no free parking on any road or footpath in Mumbai, apart from for a few selected tourist spots and public places from March onwards as the state government has lifted its stay on a policy the BMC set 2 years ago. The step came just a week before the civic poll code of conduct began on January 11.
The policy was affirmed on January 2, 2015, after it was approved by the Sena-BJP-dominated BMC general body although it met stiff confrontation from all opposition parties. The move was put on hold by the chief minister after south Mumbai inhabitants, who were to be affected the most by the gap rates.
“The process for implementation has already begun, but owing to the poll code of conduct we will be able to publish advertisements calling bids only after the BMC election is over,” said a senior civic official as per a report in TOI.
The poll’s results are scheduled to be announced on February 23.
“Our attempt is to implement the policy just as it was,” the official said. Initially, tenders would be floated inviting contractors for 92 on-street and 12 off-street parking lots. The city has been separated into three categories–A, B and C–based mainly on footfall, for applying differential parking charge. The highest rates are for the packed places. For example, it will cost Rs 60 per hour to park a car at Kala Ghoda (category A) but a third of that near Shoppers Stop on Ghatkopar-Mahul Road (category C).
Parking will be free at public places such as Girgaum and Juhu Chowpatty, and the Gateway to increase tourism. All rates will be singular on Sundays and public holidays.
In the residential scheme of the policy, a car can be parked on the road from 8 pm to 8 am for monthly charges varying from Rs 1,980 to Rs 660 as per the areas. The day-time cost will be in the range of Rs 3,960-1,320. Only one slot will be obtainable per car owner and housing societies will have to contact their local ward office to know the details.
