In response to the lukewarm reception of the initial 2021 pay and park policy, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to roll out a revamped strategy to tackle parking challenges. The new plan involves decentralization, with the municipal corporation’s ward offices taking charge under the supervision of representatives from the Department of Land and Estates.
The PCMC had initially entrusted a single agency with managing the pay and park facilities at 58 locations. However, given the lackluster execution and losses incurred during the pandemic, the civic body is now exploring the involvement of multiple agencies to oversee diverse parking areas. Ward-level tenders are on the horizon as the PCMC aims for a more effective and comprehensive parking management system.
The previous attempt saw limited success, with only 40 out of 58 spots operationalized by the contracted agency. Issues such as inadequate towing services and separate tenders for parking enforcement contributed to a lack of public interest in the pay and park option.
Under the revised policy, parking fees are expected to remain consistent initially, with potential adjustments contingent on public response. The proposed fees stand at Rs 10 per hour for four-wheelers, Rs 5 for two- and three-wheelers, Rs 25 for mini buses, and Rs 100 for heavy vehicles per hour.
PCMC officials express optimism that the revised approach, coupled with decentralized management and multiple agency involvement, will lead to a more efficient and user-friendly pay and park system.
