BMC announces free parking across 39 pay-park sites in South Mumbai

After failing to get any response from contractors to operate 39 pay-and-park sites in South Mumbai, even after the third round of tendering, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has finally decided to allow free parking in those spots.

The corporation, in an official release on Tuesday, announced that till the contracts are taken up, motorists won't be charged anything at these parking lots.

The decision will allow 7,146 vehicles — 4,924 four-wheelers and 2,222 two-wheelers — to be parked without any fee in and around bustling commercial spaces of Colaba, Crawford Market, Fort, CST and Cuffe Parade, where several parking lot contracts have expired.

"There were no bids for these parking hubs. Even after three rounds, no contractor applied; hence, till the time we re-calibrate the contract terms, the parking will be free," said a senior civic official.

"No one can charge citizens for parking in these 39 hubs. We have put up boards that confirm that parking is free parking in these spaces. If anyone tries to fleece a motorist, s/he can lodge a complaint with the BMC office or the Mumbai police."

Some of the prime parking spots, now free, include Dorabji Tata Marg, Vidhan Bhavan Marg, NCPA Road, Free Press Marg, Horniman Circle Marg, Mumbai Samachar Marg, Veer Nariman Marg, Hutatma Chowk, IMCA, and Walchand Hirachand Marg 1-2.