Bengaluru: Free parking on Bengaluru’s streets could soon become a thing of the past, with the Karnataka government considering a new parking policy aimed at reducing congestion, improving road discipline and encouraging greater use of public transport.

The draft Greater Bengaluru Authority (Parking) Rules, 2026 proposes sweeping reforms that would make paid parking the norm, regulate on-street parking and promote the development of off-street parking facilities through private investment.

Paid parking and residential permits proposed

Under the draft rules, all public parking spaces would be chargeable, except bicycle parking and designated auto-rickshaw stands. Even parking outside residential properties could require an annual permit if the policy is implemented.

The proposal also introduces dynamic parking charges, allowing fees to vary based on demand, location and duration. Vehicles parked for longer periods would attract higher charges, while visitors in residential areas may have to pay daily parking fees.

Private operators to manage parking

To address the city’s growing parking shortage, the government plans to encourage private participation by offering property tax exemptions of up to 35 years to landowners who convert vacant plots into public parking facilities.

The policy also supports the construction of multi-level parking complexes, automated parking systems and public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

In a significant change, authorised private parking operators could also be empowered to issue parking notices and tow illegally parked vehicles after obtaining online approval from the police.

Stricter enforcement to tackle congestion

The draft proposes impounding vehicles abandoned on roads for more than seven days or left in public parking facilities for over 15 days.

Commercial buildings found to have converted approved parking spaces into commercial areas could face penalties of ₹1,000 per deficient parking space every week, with repeated violations potentially leading to the cancellation of occupancy certificates.

The policy also seeks to prevent roads around Metro stations from being used as parking spaces.

Experts call for phased implementation

Urban planners have largely welcomed the proposal but stressed that effective implementation will be key. While some believe stricter parking management is long overdue, others argue that authorities should first enforce existing building regulations and remove illegal parking before introducing new charges.

The state government is currently consulting various agencies, including Bengaluru Traffic Police, before finalising and notifying the policy.#Bengaluru #ParkingPolicy #GBA #Traffic #UrbanDevelopment #NewsKarnataka