New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced a sharp increase in parking charges across all off-road and indoor parking facilities under its jurisdiction. The revised rates—effective immediately—form part of the measures activated under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aimed at tackling the capital’s worsening air quality.
According to officials, parking charges for four-wheelers have been doubled from ₹20 to ₹40 per hour, while two-wheelers will now pay ₹20 per hour, up from ₹10. For buses, the new rate stands at ₹300 per hour compared to the earlier ₹150. The hike will remain effective until GRAP Stage II restrictions are withdrawn. NDMC currently oversees 126 parking facilities in New Delhi, including 99 off-road sites, 24 on-street lots, and three multi-level structures. Officials estimate that around 102 sites will fall under the revised tariff. The council clarified that the new rates apply only to off-road and indoor facilities, excluding on-street parking and monthly pass holders.
The measure follows directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which recently activated GRAP Stage II as Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) plunged into the “very poor” category. The city’s pollution levels spiked after Diwali, pushing AQI readings into the red zone due to low wind speeds and lingering emissions. Authorities have stated that increasing parking fees serves a dual purpose—discouraging unnecessary private vehicle use while promoting public transport adoption. To support this shift, the Delhi government is enhancing metro and bus services and limiting the entry of non-CNG and non-electric inter-state buses into the city.
Under the Stage II protocol, diesel generator (DG) sets are barred unless fitted with emission control devices or operated in dual-fuel mode. Delhi Police and transport authorities have been directed to ensure smoother traffic flow, especially in pollution-prone zones. Experts highlight that NDMC’s decision echoes earlier measures taken during winter smog periods in 2023 and 2024 when parking charges were temporarily increased under GRAP enforcement. Each year, Delhi’s air quality deteriorates sharply post-harvest season, owing to stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and festive fireworks.
Officials confirmed that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is still reviewing a similar proposal. The move is seen as a proactive attempt to mitigate congestion and emissions during the capital’s most vulnerable pollution phase. As Delhi continues to battle its annual smog crisis, the parking fee hike underscores the city’s growing urgency to adopt behavioural and regulatory changes towards sustainable mobility and cleaner air.
Delhi Activates GRAP Stage Two As NDMC Doubles Parking Fees Amid Pollution Crisis
