Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) parking woes to go lock, stock & barrel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) wants to remove the regulations on constructing parking spaces in one of Mumbai’s prime business district Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This means that visitors and people working at offices located in BKC will have ample parking space and they will no longer have to park their vehicles along the road.

Three days ago, the MMRDA had issued a notification asking the general public to give their suggestions and objections, if any. The development authority has also proposed that the current maximum limit for parking spaces given to a developers should be removed.

The BKC area follows the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. The Act states that a developer can use a maximum of one-and-a-half times the plot size or double the plinth area for parking purpose.

Any developer was allowed to construct parking space up to one time the area free of cost. However, it the developer wanted to increase the parking area to its maximum limit, then he had to pay 5% of the lease premium to the MMRDA for additional area of the basement.

But with the new policy, the 5% premium will be waived  for builders along with removing the maximum limit for creating parking area. This effectively means that sky is the limit in creating additional basement space for builders.

Several officer-goers complain about the lack of authorised parking spaces at BKC. As the last resort, they have to park along the road. This unlimited parking policy will be a breather for many.

“The MMRDA is in the process to modify rules to allow unlimited parking space at BKC without paying any premium. This will help in increasing parking spaces in BKC and will also curb the practice of unauthorised parking on roads,” said an official.

This rule will be applicable to all future developments both residential and commercial, in BKC’s seven blocks.

@DNA