CUMTA Launches Demand-Based Parking Pricing in Chennai
The Tamil Nadu government has approved a new parking policy for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). The policy, developed by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), introduces area-level parking management and a centralised Parking Management Unit (PMU) to oversee its implementation.Spanning across an area of 5,904 sq. km, including Chennai and its surrounding regions, the new policy focuses on demand-based pricing for parking, aiming to encourage the use of public transport over private vehicles.
Under this model, parking fees will vary based on factors such as vehicle size, duration, local parking demand, and peak hours, with the goal of optimising available space and reducing the dependence on personal vehicles.Experts suggest that demand-based pricing will function similarly to surge pricing in public transport, encouraging commuters to choose more eco-friendly options like buses and the Chennai Metro Rail. This initiative, they say, will help reduce traffic volumes, ease parking shortages, and make urban areas more pedestrian-friendly.
The policy further mandates that urban local bodies develop “Area Level Parking Management Plans” to tailor pricing strategies to the specific needs of each area. Revenue generated from these parking fees will be reinvested into improving local infrastructure, such as footpaths, cycling tracks, and other pedestrian facilities, making streets more accessible to all.In addition, the policy addresses freight management by relocating truck terminals and regulating on-street freight parking. Workplaces with large employee numbers will be encouraged to promote public transport usage, while schools will stagger timings to avoid congestion during pick-up and drop-off hours.
Commercial hubs will see integrated traffic management solutions, and off-street parking will support the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
With a centralised PMU under CUMTA managing the policy’s execution, including fee collection and enforcement, the plan aims to streamline the city’s transport and reduce haphazard on-street parking. While the implementation of the new policy will be a challenge, it represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient transport system in Chennai.
