In a proactive move to address the perennial parking challenges plaguing Hyderabad’s urban landscape, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is poised to introduce a pioneering parking policy post the May 13 Lok Sabha elections.
This comprehensive strategy aims to revolutionise parking infrastructure by identifying and repurposing unused spaces across the city’s bustling corridors. Under this ambitious initiative, GHMC will leverage dead spaces along wider roads for street parking while earmarking open or government-owned plots for the development of multi-level parking facilities. Additionally, the civic body plans to optimise commercial spaces in high-traffic areas to accommodate two and three-wheelers, as well as heavy vehicles, offering a multifaceted solution to the city’s parking woes.
Currently, GHMC is actively scouting for strategically located sites conducive to vehicular parking. Areas such as Jubilee Hills Road No 36, 45, Secunderabad General Bazar, Hi-Tec City, Gachibowli, and Madhapur are under consideration for the establishment of parking facilities, with further locations slated for identification in the ensuing weeks. Embracing technological innovation, GHMC envisions smart parking lots equipped with CCTV surveillance and prepaid smart card payment options. These lots will be seamlessly integrated into Google Maps, facilitating motorists in locating the nearest available parking space effortlessly.
A senior GHMC official emphasised the dynamic pricing model for parking fees, tailored to fluctuate based on peak and non-peak hours, diverging from traditional hourly rates. Furthermore, the corporation aims to incentivise eco-friendly transportation by offering a 10% rebate on parking fees for electric vehicles, aligning with its commitment to sustainable urban mobility. “The main objective of this parking policy is to declutter the roads of Hyderabad so as to curb congestion and allow for smooth commuting. Our team will identify the spaces across the city and we will study the feasibility for the parking of vehicles. We will prepare a report and submit it to the state government for final approval. Once they approve our proposals, the policy would be rolled out after elections,” said GHMC commissioner Ronald Rose.
The comprehensive parking plan is expected to be ready by May. Moreover, a user-friendly portal or mobile app is also being considered so that motorists travelling in different parts of the city can use it to locate park spots in the area. On the other hand, if the owners of vacant land in the city come forward to tie up with GHMC, the officials will prepare rules and regulations to be followed. That’s not all, GHMC will also identify commercial establishments and malls which are lying unused for this facility. GHMC’s visionary parking policy heralds a paradigm shift in urban infrastructure, promising enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability in Hyderabad’s bustling metropolis. By harnessing innovative strategies and leveraging technological advancements, GHMC endeavours to redefine the city’s parking landscape, paving the way for a more seamless and commuter-friendly urban experience.
