The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is going to change the parking policy in the city with a big deal in order to remove parking from the city’s parks and to enhance traffic management in Bengaluru. The Karnataka government has already issued a draft notification on the proposed rules for paid parking zones, monthly parking passes, off-street parking, and restricted parking in many of the high-traffic areas.
Bengaluru continues to have a difficult time with traffic and parking, and the proposed policy will make it a better parking system as well. In the new policy, the roads will be divided into three categories: A, B, and C, based on the traffic density, commercial activity, and demand for parking space. Parking charges will be determined by the type of road and vehicle type.
The policy will also introduce on-street and off-street parking. Motorists will still have roadside parking in designated areas, but the government will encourage the use of off-street parking with monthly passes and fee structures.
The proposed policy also lists several locations where parking will be completely prohibited. Vehicles will not be allowed to park in front of Metro stations, bus terminals, and major arterial roads. Parking will also be banned within 50 meters of traffic lights and within 25 meters of important junctions and sub-arterial roads. Such regulations are being put in place to prevent traffic snarls at important intersections.
To address the demand for overnight parking, the GBA is also going to allow parking in areas where parking is available from 8 PM until 8 AM. It will benefit those residents living in particularly densely populated neighbourhoods where parking is scarce. Also, a monthly pass for those who often park off-street will be introduced.
The draft policy also includes measures to increase the availability of parking spaces across the city. Government-owned land under various public agencies can be converted into parking facilities once the necessary approvals are obtained. As an incentive, owners of vacant plots who allow their land to be used as parking spaces may get property tax concessions.
Another important proposal is to put pressure on landlords to provide sufficient parking for tenants. Property owners of such buildings may be liable for providing parking spaces for tenants under the proposed rules. Vehicles parked in front of residential properties could also be subject to the property owner paying the parking fee.
The policy exempts bicycles and designated auto-rickshaw stands from parking charges to ensure sustainable transportation and ensure that public transport services are not adversely affected.
Proposed minimum on-street parking charges (per hour)
Category C Roads
- Two-Wheelers: ₹20
- Light Motor Vehicles (Cars): ₹40–₹60
Category B Roads
- Two-Wheelers: ₹30
- Light Motor Vehicles: ₹60
Category A Roads
- Two-Wheelers: ₹40
- Light Motor Vehicles: ₹80
Proposed Minimum Off-Street Parking Charges
Category C
- Two-Wheelers: ₹10
- Cars: ₹20
Category B
- Two-Wheelers: ₹15
- Cars: ₹30
Category A
- Two-Wheelers: ₹20
- Cars: ₹40
Proposed Monthly Off-Street Parking Pass Charges
Category C
- Two-Wheelers: ₹1,000
- Cars: ₹2,000
Category B
- Two-Wheelers: ₹1,500
- Cars: ₹3,000
Category A
- Two-Wheelers: ₹2,000
- Cars: ₹4,000 (industry observers believe the ₹40,000 figure mentioned in some draft reports may be a typographical error and could be revised in the final notification)
The proposed parking policy is in the form of a draft, and stakeholders are eligible to offer input before final implementation. If it is adopted, the policy would change the way parking is managed in Bengaluru and the way people live in our city, which will allow for better traffic rules, urban mobility, and better use of public space.
