Parking woes in Matheran drive tourists up the hill

Tourists driving to Matheran are a harassed lot with poor parking facilities and the high-handedness of policemen posted there.
Readers have written to DNA that their vehicles get damaged in the poorly maintained parking lot and the police do not pay attention to traffic management.

Superintendent of police (Raigad range) RD Shinde has assured DNA of immediate action.

No vehicles are allowed inside Matheran but they can be taken till Dasturi Point, from where one has either walk or go on horse ride.
There is only one parking lot at Dasturi and citizens have alleged that there are agents to help with parking, for a cost.

“We went to Matheran last month and our nightmare began when we reached Dasturi Point. The rocky ground damaged the car in the so-called parking lot,” said Bakhtawar Engineer, who wrote to DNA about the problem.

“It took us 45 minutes to enter the chaotic parking lot and there was total lawlessness there. A policeman was standing and only watching,” he said. “It was the same situation a few days later. It took us half an hour to take our vehicle out. The policeman on duty did not even lift a finger to help motorists.”

“We were aghast to find such horrible parking condition in a place where parking is a must. The damage to our car was unbelievable. What was supposed to be relaxing holiday was spoilt,” added Engineer.

Shinde thanked DNA for bringing the problem to the fore. “I will visit Dasturi naka in Matheran soon to take the stock of the situation. I promise to take stern action against policemen for their irresponsible behaviour,” said Shinde.