BBMP to implement paid parking system on key city roads

 The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is set to introduce private agencies for managing parking fee collection on 14 key roads in the city’s core areas. While some roads in the East Zone already have a pay-and-park system, others currently offer free parking. The initiative is expected to generate an estimated ₹7 crore in annual revenue, according to a report by Deccan Herald. This move comes after criticism of BBMP’s decision to directly appoint individuals for parking management without following the tendering process. Higher authorities flagged the zonal office for procedural lapses, prompting BBMP to float fresh tenders for private agencies to take over the system. Under the new plan, two-wheelers will be charged ₹15 per hour, while cars will be charged ₹30 per hour. These rates are significantly higher than those at Namma Metro parking lots, where two-wheelers pay ₹15 for the first four hours, and car parking fees are double that amount. BBMP’s previous attempt at implementing a paid parking system in August 2020 faced major setbacks. The private agency managing 81 roads defaulted on a ₹31 crore payment, citing operational difficulties. Even when overseeing only 11 roads, BBMP collected just ₹28 lakh over three years. Additionally, users were overcharged with penalties of ₹500 for exceeding time limits instead of being billed for extra duration. The newly designated roads, including Brigade Road, MG Road, and Church Street, among others, aim to streamline parking operations and ensure better revenue collection for the civic body.