DMRC hikes parking fees five times at pragati maidan

If you thought parking your car at the Pragati Maidan metro station and taking the Metro to your destination will save you on time and money, think again, reports HT Correspondent.

If you thought parking your car at the Pragati Maidan metro station and taking the Metro to your destination will save you on time and money, think again.

HT Image

Well, it may save you some precious time but will certainly burn a hole in your pocket.

To cash in on the huge trade fair rush, Delhi Metro rail Corporation (DMRC) has increased parking charges at the Pragati Maidan station by five times.

Now, pay Rs 100 to park your car instead of the usual Rs 20 for 10 hours. For two-wheelers, parking charges have been increased from Rs 5 to Rs 25.

DMRC officials said the increased parking fee is not applicable to regular commuters who pay monthly.

The Pragati Maidan station parking lot can accommodate 150 cars and 190 two-wheelers.

DMRC officials said parking charges are hiked every year, in consultation with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), during the trade fair.

ITPO organises the trade fair every year.

“Increased charges remain applicable only during the trade fair. The charges are increased to discourage trade fair visitors from parking their vehicles at the Metro parking lot,” said a DMRC spokesperson.

“Once the fair is over, regular parking fee would be charged from the motorists.”

Not just the Metro parking, at least two other parking lots in the vicinity — at Bhagwan Das Road and at Bhairon Marg — revise the parking rates during the trade fair.

“This is done to discourage motorists from looking for parking spaces close to Pragati Maidan. The visitors should rather park their vehicles at the India Gate parking lot and avail the park-and-ride facility to reach the fair venue,” said a traffic police officer requesting anonymity.