Parking in CP may soon burn hole in your pocket

New Delhi: Parking in Connaught Place is set to get costlier as the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to remove the present cap of Rs 100. The move will hurt the pockets of those parking their vehicles for the longer hours in the heart of the city, which is dotted with offices, eateries and shopping options.

The civic body is also mulling to introduce extra charges for the parking in night, the decision on which is yet to be taken.

At present, those parking their vehicles in CP have to pay Rs 20 per hour for the first five hours and a flat rate of Rs 100 beyond that. However, as per the new plan the cap will be removed and the users will have to pay extra charges on per hour basis.

“There will be no cap on the parking charges. One will be charged Rs 20 for every extra hour even after the current five-hour limit. Earlier, even if somebody was parking for three to four days he or she was liable to pay only Rs 100,” a senior NDMC official said.

There will be extra charges for parking during night hours and the rates will be decided soon. The new rates will come into effect from July,” the official added.

The proposal is part of Smart Parking Project by NDMC, and aimed at reducing congestion in the busy area. Under the Smart Parking Project, the NDMC aims to turn several parking lots into no-parking zones.

In the first phase of the project, the NDMC will develop 88 surface parking lots and end on-road parking. “Each smart parking lot will be developed in an area of 3,400 square meter. The contractor will start work on the project soon,” an official said.

The urban development ministry had in February announced a plan to make Connaught place vehicle free to decongest the area. However, due to inadequate parking facilities and lack of e-rickshaws to help with last mile connectivity, the project has not yet taken off.