BENGALURU
A fresh controversy has emerged in Bengaluru over proposed parking charges for vehicles kept on roads outside homes.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, urging the government to withdraw the rule and reconsider the plan after public opposition.
The proposal has triggered concern among residents, especially middle-class families who may have limited space inside their homes or apartments. Under the proposed system, motorists could have to pay between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 annually for permission to park vehicles on roads near their houses.
In his letter, Reddy acknowledged that Bengaluru’s growing vehicle population has increased pressure on roads and created serious parking problems. However, he said any new fee must consider the financial difficulties faced by ordinary families. Rising costs of fuel, household needs, taxes and other expenses, he argued, already place pressure on people. Adding another unavoidable payment could increase that burden.
Reddy also pointed out that some residents with larger plots can park vehicles within their properties, but many people in older Bengaluru neighborhoods live in smaller homes or apartments. Existing buildings may not have enough parking spaces for today’s growing number of vehicles. He said stronger parking rules for new buildings are welcome, but older areas need practical solutions. The minister has asked Shivakumar to hold a meeting with Bengaluru MLAs and officials before taking a final decision. He said such discussions could help balance traffic management with the concerns of residents. The issue now awaits the government’s response, as public pressure continues over the proposed charges for ordinary homeowners and motorists.