In response to widespread complaints of overcharging and poor parking management, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has taken the decisive step of discontinuing its monetised on-street parking scheme, affecting a substantial 11,650 parking slots across the city.
The termination of the contract with contractor Toorq Media Services earlier this year underscores the urgency of addressing the persistent challenges in parking management and revenue collection. According to GCC officials, the termination was prompted by the contractor’s failure to address issues of overcharging and subpar performance, resulting in a significant revenue shortfall for the corporation. As the matter enters arbitration, GCC is exploring alternative avenues for parking management, including collaboration with Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Corporation Limited (TEXCO) to directly hire staff for revenue collection, thereby ensuring greater oversight and accountability.
Despite the potential revenue of 11 lakh per day, GCC’s current earnings from parking charges have plummeted, exacerbating the financial strain caused by the absence of a contractor. The absence of parking attendants in key areas such as T Nagar, Besant Nagar, and Anna Nagar further compounds the challenges faced by motorists navigating the city’s congested streets. Moreover, the discontinuation of GCC’s smart parking website and app, which were launched in 2018 to monitor parking availability, exacerbates the situation, leaving motorists without reliable information on parking options. Additionally, the non-updated parking slot list has contributed to congestion, particularly in areas affected by ongoing metro rail work.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive parking solutions, stakeholders have highlighted the importance of transparent mapping of parking and non-parking zones, along with the digitization of payment systems to minimize human intervention and streamline enforcement processes. Collaboration with transportation authorities and the promotion of non-motorized transport modes are also essential components of a holistic parking policy aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles and alleviating urban congestion. In light of these challenges, concerted efforts are required from both government authorities and civic stakeholders to implement sustainable and effective parking management strategies that prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for all motorists in Chennai.
