Mumbai’s Robotic Car Parking Facility Set to Reopen
After a month-long shutdown, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing to appoint a new contractor to oversee the maintenance and operation of Mumbai’s first robotic car parking facility, located on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Breach Candy, South Mumbai. This state-of-the-art facility, which was inaugurated in 2021, became the subject of controversy and operational issues following a dispute with the contractor responsible for its upkeep.
The facility, a 21-storey building equipped with mechanised platforms, was designed to help alleviate the parking woes of the congested city by offering automated parking solutions. When a vehicle is driven onto one of the platforms, it is automatically lifted and stored on one of the 21 floors, freeing up valuable ground space. With a capacity to accommodate 240 vehicles at once, the system was popular among car owners, especially on weekends when parking spaces in the area were in high demand. However, in November 2024, the facility was abruptly shut down after a mechanical failure of one of the robotic arms that control the platforms.
In addition to the malfunction, multiple leaks were reported within the building, further compounding the issue. The BMC had instructed the contractor to repair the faulty robotic arm and restore the facility to working order. Yet, a dispute over outstanding payments led to the contractor’s decision to withdraw from the project. According to BMC officials, the contractor had requested a balance payment that was not scheduled to be paid upfront, prompting the cancellation of the contract. Given Mumbai’s severe space constraints, robotic parking is seen as a highly efficient solution to the city’s growing vehicular density. The facility had seen considerable usage since its opening, with frequent occupancy, especially on weekends. City officials emphasised the need to quickly resolve the operational issues and restore the facility to full function.
A BMC official stated, “Robo parking is a compact and effective way to deal with Mumbai’s parking crisis. The facility had been a popular choice among citizens, and we aim to restore it to full service soon. We expect to issue a new contract next month, and we are optimistic that the facility will be operational again by the first quarter of 2024.” Before its shutdown, the facility charged Rs 4,400 for a monthly parking pass, with an hourly rate of Rs 70. If a vehicle remained parked for more than 12 hours, the fee increased to Rs 240 per additional hour. Once the new contractor is appointed and the necessary repairs are made, it is hoped that the facility will resume its crucial role in easing the parking burden in the city.
