Chandigarh Parking Fee Hike: Here's How It Will Impact Your Daily Expenses

                Chandigarh is gearing up for a major change in its parking system, and it's set to impact the daily routine — and the wallets — of city residents and visitors alike. According to the new 
proposal, parking across 84 lots in the city will now be chargeable after the first 15 minutes, which will remain free to encourage short-stay visitors and improve vehicle circulation.

Post the free window, four-wheelers will be charged ₹20 for up to four hours, a significant jump from the earlier ₹14. Two-wheelers, too, will see a hike, with parking now costing ₹10 
instead of ₹7. In premium commercial areas like Elante Mall, Fun Republic, and Piccadily Square, a special higher rate of ₹85 for the first four hours is proposed, making these among 
the most expensive places to park in Chandigarh.

In a first, the Municipal Corporation (MC) has also suggested an automatic parking fee revision every four years, further adding to the long-term cost burden. However, electric vehicles 
— both two-wheelers and four-wheelers — have been granted free parking till March 31, 2027, after which regular rates will apply.

To optimise parking space usage, parking charges at underground facilities will be ₹5 less than surface parking rates. Also, residents are being encouraged to use digital payment 
methods, as cash payments will now attract an additional ₹5 surcharge. Importantly, the new parking rates will be uniform across the city, whether the lot is managed by the MC or by 
private contractors through e-tendering.

Interestingly, these changes come after the much-awaited Smart Parking Project, initially planned to introduce FASTag-enabled parking, was shelved due to flawed tendering conditions. 
After its rejection, a fresh blueprint was prepared, leading to the current proposal with simplified and rounded-off charges for easier transactions.

Residents of Chandigarh must prepare for these changes, as the new system is not just about revised fees — it's a step towards better traffic management, efficient parking space 
usage, and pushing for a digital-first approach in urban commuting.


Source :- Hindustan Times