Parking rates in S Delhi may go up to Rs. 100/hour

In a bid to discourage motorists from keeping their vehicles in these clogged corners of the Capital and decongest these areas, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation is planning high premium parking lots at these stretches.

Soon, you may have to shell out as much as Rs. 100 per hour as parking fees in highly congested parts of South Delhi.

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In a bid to discourage motorists from keeping their vehicles in these clogged corners of the Capital and decongest these areas, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation is planning high premium parking lots at these stretches.

According to a senior South civic body official, a proposal for premium parking lots has already been sent to remunerative project (RP) cell.

“The suggestion was given by traffic police and transport commissioner. The corporation had approached them regarding permission for parking lots on congested single lanes. They denied permission and instead suggested high premium lots at these sites,” the official said.

Way back in March 2013, the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) had approved a hike in parking charges to Rs. 20 per hour for cars. Under the new guidelines, the parking rates for the first 30 minutes for a four-wheeler was to be Rs. 10 followed by `20 for an hour and Rs. 50 for three hours. However, this was not accepted by the political wing of the corporations for fear of backlash from the people during the Assembly elections in Delhi.

At present, Delhiites pay Rs. 10 for 10 hours and Rs. 20 for 24 hours in the municipal parking lots across the city.

The New Delhi Municipal Council had revised its rates from June 30, 2013, with Rs. 20 for one hour and Rs. 100 for five hours. However, these rates are yet to be implemented.

Parking fees, according to most experts, are one of the most important tools in the on-street parking management toolbox. However, use of valuable urban space is offered for parking either free or for a pittance. Parking, which is supposed to be a luxury has been evolving into a necessity of sorts like food, clothing and shelter.

“Once implemented, these premium parking lots in tune to the ones at AIIMS and the New Delhi railway station will discourage people from getting their vehicles and go for public transport,” the South official said.