BMC to keep parking charges on the lower side in order to encourage motorists to use these lots more often so that roads remain decongested
In line with its policy to decongest city roads, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated tenders to construct two mechanised multi-level parking lots in Powai, where a total of 700 cars can be stationed.
If all goes well, motorists should be able to use the facilities meant solely for cars in Powai's Kopri village from 2016.
According to the plan aimed at inculcating among motorists the habit of using off-street parking, the BMC has invited bids to construct the facilities on plots CTS no 7/6 and CTS no 7/4, admeasuring 1,574 sqmt and 3,570 sqmt, respectively. The plots are located along the busy Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR).
"We have invited bids from private players to build parking lots in public-private partnership (PPP). The lots will be constructed on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. The bid winner will have to run the facility for 15 years," an official attached to the project said, adding that a proposal in this regard was likely to be tabled before the standing committee in a month's time. "Once the committee approves the proposal, we intend to complete the work in one-and-half years," the official said.
Make it motorist-friendly
In order to bring in discipline among motorists to use the lots frequently, the BMC has decided to keep parking charges on the lower side. According to the tender condition, the bid winning firm can charge Rs25 per hour per vehicle, subject to maximum charges of Rs 150 a day. In case the agency is found collecting more charges than what is prescribed in the parking policy, then the BMC will impose a penalty of Rs500 per instance. If similar cases are reported time and again, then the agency will be issued show cause notice and invite action of termination of contract.
Also, if the agency causes inconvenience to residents by keeping the lots closed for general parking for over two days—except in case of major maintenance and servicing—then it will be charged Rs10,000 per day for such closure. "We will also serve show cause notice in case the lot remains closed for more than 10 days without any justification/information/permission. The offending agency will have to go in case people are inconvenienced. We are going to ensure cars do not congest roads," he added.
As reported in dna earlier, the BMC has already declared to punish motorists who park on roads within 100 metres of these parking lots. The fine will be four times the charges one would pay for off-street parking.
The BMC made available the city's first such mechanised parking lot in Apollo mills compound in Lower Parel last year. Around 650 vehicles can be parked at the lot.
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