Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is addressing parking challenges in metros like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune by developing a new Parking Policy. Announced during a ceremony in Worli, Fadnavis highlighted the need for mapping parking spaces and creating a software application that allows motorists to find and rent parking slots.

This approach aims to efficiently utilize available public parking spaces, some of which remain unused. The initiative is part of the larger 100-day transformation drive and follows a December 2024 proposal that mandated a 'certified parking area' certificate for vehicle purchases. During the announcement, transport authorities indicated that renting a parking spot through the app would be considered valid for this requirement, though plans are still conceptual.

What Is Parking Policy?

Additionally, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is actively developing the 'Automatic Parking Guidance and Management System,' which features a digital payment mechanism to enhance parking management across various locations. More than 3,000 parking sites in Mumbai have been identified for this digitization, allowing real-time updates on parking availability and enabling advance booking.

State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized the pressing need for an effective Parking Policy, aiming to alleviate congestion and save time for motorists. The government is also drawing from international parking policies from cities like London and Tokyo to shape its strategy, with discussions set to begin in the upcoming state legislature session.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis On Parking Policy

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on March 2, that the government is formulating a Parking Policy for Maharashtra. He stated he would direct the municipal authorities of these cities to identify parking areas and develop a software app that drivers could utilize to locate available parking spots for rent.

CM Fadnavis addressed the groundbreaking event for the state transport department's headquarters in Worli, located in a building that the department owns. "To begin with, these two tasks (mapping and developing an app) must be completed, after which we can examine parking enforcement." Fadnavis further added, "In the future, if a driver lacks a parking spot, they can rent one via this app."

Mumbai's Need For Parking Spaces

In Mumbai, many public parking spaces remain underutilized. A proposed app will allow motorists to rent parking spots if needed. This initiative is part of the Parking Policy introduced on December 30, 2024, as part of the government's 100-day transformation drive. As per the transport department's proposal, purchasing a vehicle will require proof of a 'certified parking area,' which can include renting a spot via the app. Currently, these plans are in preliminary stages.