12 May,2026 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra MLA Rais Shaikh. File Pic
Maharashtra MLA Rais Shaikh, representing Bhiwandi East, has written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) expressing concern over its proposal to increase parking charges across Mumbai by around 40 per cent. He has urged the civic body to prioritise traffic discipline over revenue generation.
In his letter dated May 9, 2026, Shaikh stated that instead of treating parking management as a revenue-earning exercise, the BMC should conduct a comprehensive review of the existing parking policy. He also called for strong ground-level implementation to ensure traffic discipline while maintaining affordability for citizens.
The MLA stressed the need for strict enforcement of "No Parking" rules, highlighting that illegal roadside parking, encroachments on footpaths, and junction congestion continue to worsen traffic conditions in Mumbai.
He also suggested improved digital monitoring and better urban planning to enhance compliance and reduce violations.
Shaikh cautioned that increased parking charges could further burden residents, office-goers, and small business owners who already face high commuting costs and limited parking availability.
He warned that without addressing infrastructure gaps and unregulated parking spaces, a sharp hike could negatively impact daily urban mobility.
The MLA urged the civic administration to adopt a balanced, citizen-centric approach that prioritises safety, discipline, and affordability.
He said parking policy should not be used primarily as a revenue tool but as part of a broader traffic management strategy for Mumbai.
Shaikh also highlighted the need for long-term solutions, including better parking infrastructure, organised parking spaces, and coordinated planning between transport departments and civic authorities to address Mumbai's growing vehicular pressure.
>> 40 per cent hike in parking charges
>> Applicable to PPLs, On-Street and Off-Street Pay and Park facilities
>> Revised rates to be incorporated into existing and future contracts
>> Officials said implementation may take between two and six months, depending on approval
>> Public Parking Lots (PPLs): Multi-level parking facilities, often built by developers in exchange for additional Floor Space Index (FSI) benefits
>> On-Street Pay and Park: Designated roadside parking stretches with paid parking
>> Off-Street Pay and Park: Dedicated parking plots located away from roads
As the fee hike proposal moves through approvals, the BMC is continuing the tendering process for its proposed smart parking app.
According to officials, the app aims to:
>> Map parking spaces across the city
>> Show real-time parking availability
>> Enable FASTag-based payments
>> Reduce complaints of overcharging and fund misuse
"I don't think a hike is justified unless facilities are improving alongside. The current parking lots have been planned poorly," said Jitendra Gupta, founding member of the Citizen Transport Committee.
Approval chain
1. Municipal Commissioner approval
2. BMC Standing Committee approval
3. Clearance from the civic general body
4. Final notification and implementation
