MCD Denies Proposal to Increase Parking Rates
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has rejected the proposal to double parking charges in the city, providing much-needed relief to vehicle owners. The proposal, which had been under discussion since June 2024, was brought up during the MCD House meeting on Monday but was turned down by the ruling party.
The idea of increasing parking fees was initially linked to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is aimed at managing vehicular pollution and enhancing urban infrastructure. Under the proposed changes, the MCD planned to categorise parking areas based on their location and land value, with the intention of implementing differential rates. For example, parking charges for cars were set to rise to Rs 30 in high-demand areas (Category A), while charges in other areas (Category B) would remain at Rs 20 for the first hour.
However, after much deliberation, these changes have now been deferred.
Currently, the parking fee structure in Delhi stands at Rs 20 per hour for cars and Rs 10 per hour for two-wheelers, rates that have remained unchanged for some time. Despite repeated attempts to allow the MCD Commissioner the authority to adjust parking charges based on various factors, these proposals have failed to gain approval in previous sessions. In addition, the concept of differential pricing for parking based on the type of colony had also been met with resistance from several quarters.
An official stated that the rejection of the parking fee hike is aimed at ensuring the well-being of the city’s residents. With rising living costs and increased urban congestion, maintaining affordable parking fees has become a pressing issue for residents. The decision to retain the current rates has been hailed as a relief for vehicle owners who continue to face numerous challenges in terms of rising fuel costs and traffic congestion. While the idea of differentiated parking rates, tied to land prices and urban categories, remains a topic for future discussion, for now, Delhi’s vehicle owners can breathe a sigh of relief.
The MCD’s decision to keep parking rates unchanged is seen as a step in the right direction for ensuring the affordability and accessibility of parking in the city. As discussions on urban planning and traffic management continue to evolve, the MCD remains committed to addressing the needs of the city’s residents while balancing the goals of efficient urban management and environmental sustainability.
