In an unexpected turn of events, the promised free two-wheeler parking in Chandigarh, slated to begin on December 1, has hit a roadblock. Mayor Anup Gupta’s announcement, billed as a Diwali gift, has taken an unexpected turn.
What Happened Before?
On November 11, a day before Diwali, the mayor declared free parking for two-wheelers in all 89 municipal corporation (MC) parking lots beginning December 1. However, opposition councillors slammed the Mayor two days ago (28 November) for making the decision on his own without informing the House. Besides that, the council members insisted that he should declare free parking for four-wheelers. Following the uproar, Chandigarh’s mayor reserved the decision, stating that there is currently no free parking for 2 wheelers as of now. Furthermore, he stated that free parking was a Diwali gift for people, but the executive order had not yet been issued. In the end, he assured the public that efforts are underway to finalize the orders, and he will soon disclose a new date for the free two-wheeler parking initiative. In short, the corporation will continue to charge Rs 7 for two-wheeler parking and Rs 14 for car parking.
Pending Tender for Approved Free Two-Wheeler Parking
Back in July, the MC’s General House approved the agenda for free two-wheeler parking at all locations. However, the authorities have not yet issued the tender for this initiative. According to the approved agenda, all two-wheelers would be exempt from parking fees.
Not to mention, the Smart Parking project will upgrade all 89 parking lots in Chandigarh to provide better facilities. In addition, the MC House has decided that, once completed, two-wheelers and electric vehicles will have free parking. Likewise, Tricity cars will see a slight fee increase, while vehicles registered outside the Tricity will have to pay double charges.
The Current Situation With Free Charging
The Chandigarh MC is currently soliciting bids for the Smart Parking project. Currently, the MC manages 89 parking sites in Chandigarh, each with equal parking space for two-wheelers and four-wheelers but there is no free parking for 2 wheelers as of yet. Once MC allocates the work, then it will take six to eight months to complete the comprehensive upgrades. Additionally, the future promises a transformed parking experience with improved facilities and revised rates in line with the Smart Parking vision. Lastly, as the Smart Parking project takes shape, Chandigarh’s parking landscape is evolving, anticipating not only free two-wheeler parking but an overall enhancement in parking facilities.
Till now, stay tuned to NewsChandigarh for the most up-to-date information on Chandigarh news and other current events.
