Bengaluru (Karnataka): A private agency, S.K. Infotech, has started collecting paid parking fees on a nearly one-kilometre stretch between Mayo Hall Signal and the LIC Building, sparking concern among commuters and commercial establishments in the Central Business District (CBD).
Parking fees and operational details
Under the new system, the parking charges are ₹15 per hour for two-wheelers and ₹30 per hour for four-wheelers. Motorists must pay the same rate for each additional hour. For example:
- Two hours of parking costs ₹30 for two-wheelers and ₹60 for four-wheelers.
- A full workday of nine hours could cost a two-wheeler commuter nearly ₹130 daily, amounting to about ₹4,000 monthly.
The paid parking system operates from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with eight staff members deployed to collect fees. Vehicles failing to pay may be clamped, according to SK Infotech representatives.
Public and employee concerns
While many residents accept the need for paid parking to tackle traffic congestion and disorganised parking, the steep pricing has drawn criticism.
Navya R., a regular commuter on M.G. Road, said:
“There are hardly any affordable parking options in the CBD. Paying ₹15 extra per hour for a two-wheeler is excessive. Nine hours of parking costs me nearly ₹130 a day.”
Employees of private companies in the area, who previously enjoyed free parking, echoed similar concerns, noting the financial burden of daily parking fees.
Suhail Yousuf, secretary of the Brigade Road Shops and Establishments Association, criticised the initiative:
“They should have implemented an automated system instead of involving contractors. Paid parking is necessary, but this middleman system benefits a money-making mafia rather than the public.”
Civic response and future plans
A senior City Central Corporation official confirmed that S.K. Infotech was awarded the contract, and the system has been operational since Friday, September 12. The civic body is considering extending paid parking to other CBD roads through similar private agency contracts.
Bengaluru has experienced disorganised parking and traffic congestion along key stretches such as M.G. Road. While designated spaces for two-wheelers and cars exist, improper usage has often led to chaos, prompting the civic body to introduce a structured paid parking system.
Background on outsourced parking
This is not the first attempt by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to outsource parking fee collection. In 2020, a private agency was contracted, but the agreement was terminated after payment defaults. Critics argue that a direct or automated system could prevent issues associated with middlemen.
Conclusion
While the introduction of paid parking may help regulate traffic and improve urban mobility in the CBD, commuters and business employees feel the high rates and contractor-based model are burdensome. Observers suggest that a more transparent, automated system may offer a balanced solution for both traffic management and affordability.