Smart Parking: Free Parking for Two-Wheelers and Electric Vehicles

The Municipal Corporation House has approved some new changes to the parking system in their 91 smart paid parking lots. They have decided to offer free parking for all types of two-wheelers, electric two-wheelers, and electric four-wheelers in these designated parking spaces. However, there will be a small increase in parking rates for cars, and those registered outside the tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula) will have to pay double the regular fees.

For non-commercial car parking, the first 15 minutes will be free in all parking spaces. After the initial free period, there will be a charge of Rs 15 for up to four hours of parking and Rs 20 for parking between four to eight hours. Beyond eight hours, the hourly rate will be Rs 10. There will also be an option to purchase a pass for Rs 50, which will allow multiple entries for up to 12 hours. Separate rates will apply for commercial vehicles.

The new rates will come into effect once the FASTag-based smart parking system is implemented in the 91 parking lots. Until then, the current flat rates of Rs 7 for two-wheelers and Rs 14 for cars will remain unchanged.

Provisions for Electric Vehicles

One notable decision made by the MC House is to reject the proposal for setting up charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) at 44 MC parking lots. The request for installing these stations came from the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) of the UT administration. However, the councillors argued that CREST should have offered the entire revenue to the MC instead of just 50% because allowing charging stations would lead to a loss of parking space and revenue.

Mayor Anup Gupta pointed out that the UT did not seek recommendations from the House before formulating the EV policy, which became a point of contention in rejecting the charging station proposal.

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The new parking rates will apply to both non-commercial and commercial vehicles. For non-commercial vehicles, there will be a day pass option for Rs 50, allowing parking for up to 12 hours. The same pass for commercial vehicles will cost Rs 100. Additionally, for non-commercial four-wheelers, there will be a monthly pass available for Rs 300, allowing for single or multiple entries within a day, up to 12 hours. Commercial four-wheelers can purchase a monthly pass for Rs 800, which will be valid only for specific parking lots.

Overall, these changes in the parking system aim to accommodate more two-wheelers and electric vehicles, encouraging their use while managing parking demand for cars. However, the rejection of charging stations for EVs has raised some concerns about the city's readiness to promote eco-friendly transportation options. The new rates and policies will be effective once the smart parking system is in place, offering a more efficient and convenient parking experience for the residents and visitors.