Chennai Parking Scam Exposed Texco's Unauthorised Fee Collection
Chennai’s parking infrastructure is under intense scrutiny following revelations that the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Corporation (Texco) has been collecting parking fees without proper authorisation from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
This has led to widespread concerns among motorists, particularly in high-traffic areas like Marina Beach, Besant Nagar, and T Nagar.​ In January 2024, the GCC terminated its contract with Toorq Media Services due to issues of overcharging and poor management. Subsequently, Texco was appointed to manage approximately 14,000 on-street parking spaces across the city.
However, their contract expired in December 2024, and the GCC has yet to renew it. ​Despite the expiration of their contract, Texco continued to collect parking fees, charging up to ₹90 for a three-hour parking slot, even in areas where the GCC had designated free parking zones. This has led to allegations of unauthorized fee collection and mismanagement of funds. The GCC has stated that the approved parking fees are ₹20 per hour for four-wheelers and ₹5 per hour for two-wheelers. Motorists are encouraged to report any instances of overcharging to the GCC’s helpline at 1913 or through their official social media channels.​
In response to these concerns, the GCC is in the process of appointing new contractors to manage the city’s parking facilities. The new system aims to improve transparency and accountability, ensuring that parking fees are collected in accordance with established guidelines.​ As the situation develops, it is crucial for residents and visitors to remain vigilant and informed about the legitimacy of parking charges in Chennai. By staying aware and reporting any discrepancies, the public can contribute to the establishment of a more transparent and efficient parking system in the city.
