CHANDIGARH, May 1— The Municipal Corporation on Wednesday approved a proposal to increase parking charges across the city by 30 to 40 percent, a move that drew criticism from opposition parties but passed with backing from the majority of councillors.
Under the revised structure, two-wheeler parking fees will rise to Rs 10 for durations between 15 minutes and four hours (up from Rs 7), and to Rs 16 for parking up to eight hours (previously Rs 10). Beyond eight hours, an additional Rs 5 will be charged per hour.
Four-wheeler rates will now be Rs 20 for up to four hours (from the earlier Rs 14), and Rs 25 for stays between four to eight hours.
A surcharge of Rs 10 will apply for each additional hour after that. Notably, a grace period of 15 minutes remains free of charge.
Premium parking locations at Elante Mall, Fun Republic (Manimajra), and Piccadilly Multiplex will also see rate adjustments.
For two-wheelers, the fees will be Rs 35 for up to four hours, Rs 50 for four to eight hours, and Rs 5 per hour thereafter. Four-wheelers at these sites will be charged Rs 85 for four hours, Rs 155 for up to eight hours, and Rs 20 per additional hour.
The rate hike has met stiff opposition from both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party councillors. “At a time when people are already grappling with inflation, increasing parking fees adds to their burden,” said a Congress councillor, voicing concern over the timing and scale of the hike.
Even as the Municipal Corporation cited financial constraints as a factor behind the increase, councillors simultaneously approved a proposal to raise the number of free parking passes issued to themselves—from three to 10 per member.
This move was not without contention; the Municipal Commissioner advised limiting the allotment to five passes.
“We must lead by example and not ask for more when the public is being asked to pay more,” the Commissioner reportedly said.
Despite this, the House approved the higher quota of free passes.
Meanwhile, the House deferred discussion on raising the license fee for installing hedges and fences on municipal land. The matter has been forwarded to a committee for further deliberation.
In another development, the agenda to impose a compound surcharge equivalent to 10 percent of the water bill has been referred to the Water Committee.
Besides, councillors have sent the proposal to adopt the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022 to the Fire and Emergency Committee for detailed review.
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