06 May,2026 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
Police crack down on motorcycles parked in BKC. File pic/Atul Kamble
A proposal by the Maharashtra government to relax parking norms in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) has drawn sharp objections from civic activists, who say the move could aggravate congestion and strain already stretched infrastructure.
On May 1, the Urban Development Department issued a public notice proposing changes to development regulations in BKC. The plan allows up to a 50 per cent reduction in mandatory parking requirements for additional built-up area in select blocks, following requests from developers citing constraints under existing rules.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has supported the proposal, calling it necessary to optimise land use and boost growth in the city's key business district.
>> Existing parking demand already exceeds supply
>> Likely increase in on-street parking and encroachments
>> Reduced effective road width, higher congestion, and longer travel times
>> Increased safety risks for pedestrians and commuters
>> The group said the move could lead to "demonstrable and irreversible hardship" if implemented
>> Investment in multi-level and structured parking
>> Better traffic management systems
>> Strict enforcement of existing parking norms
>> They have demanded that the proposal be withdrawn entirely
The government has invited public objections within one month. A final decision will be taken under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, after reviewing submissions. Given BKC's role as a major commercial hub, the outcome is expected to have wider implications for urban planning in Mumbai.
>> Up to 50 per cent relaxation in mandatory parking requirements
>> Applicable to additional built-up area in âE' and âG' blocks (as per notice)
>> Discretion granted to the Metropolitan Commissioner under Regulation 4(ii)
>> Aimed at encouraging further commercial development in BKC
The Watchdog Foundation has opposed the proposal, warning it ignores ground realities. "BKC is already a highly congested business district with severe parking shortages and traffic stress. Any dilution of parking norms will inevitably result in increased on-street parking, traffic bottlenecks, reduced road capacity, and serious safety concerns," said Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, trustee of the foundation.
