Vehicle parking in Chandigarh: Monthly pass proposed for unlimited entries and exits

File image used for representation.

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) is set to introduce a citywide monthly parking pass to ease parking troubles and increase civic revenue.

The proposal, to be placed before the General House meeting on Tuesday, suggests a pass of Rs 500 for cars and Rs 250 for two-wheelers, Hindustan Times reported.

Upon approval, the pass will be valid across all 89 paid parking sites under the MC. This means unlimited entries and exits for pass holders, making it more convenient and cost-effective for regular users. At present, car owners pay Rs 14 per entry and two-wheeler riders Rs 7.

Currently, around 5,000 monthly passes are issued, each costing Rs 420, but those are restricted to a single parking lot, whereas the new plan aims to cover the entire city.

With nearly five lakh four-wheelers and one lakh two-wheelers using paid parking every month, officials estimate strong demand.

Even if 50,000 commuters opt for the pass, the civic body could earn up to Rs 30 crore annually, which will be a major jump from the present profit of Rs 50-80 lakh per month. The overall revenue target is set at Rs 50 crore annually.

MC commissioner Amit Kumar had earlier directed that public opinion be sought on the plan through a questionnaire floated on social media.

According to officials, nearly 70% of respondents supported the proposal, leading to its placement before the House for approval.

If approved, the scheme will remain in effect until the much-delayed smart parking project is implemented in Chandigarh.

Conceived in August 2022, the smart parking project aimed to introduce a FASTag-enabled parking system across all 89 paid parking lots in Chandigarh. At present, attendants issue parking slips and collect payments manually.

Fire safety rules may get stricter

Along with the parking plan, the MC will also table another important proposal, adopting the provisions of the Haryana Fire and Emergency Service Act, 2022, for Chandigarh.

If approved, this will lower the threshold for mandatory fire safety clearance from 15 metres to 9 metres, HT reported.

At present, Chandigarh follows the Delhi Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 1986, which requires certificates only for buildings taller than 15 metres.

But even Delhi has repealed this law and replaced it with the Delhi Fire Service Act, 2007. Officials argue that adopting the Haryana model is better suited for Chandigarh’s unique needs, especially because of its heritage buildings and growing commercial spaces.

Under the proposed law, fire safety clearances will be compulsory for a wider range of buildings. This includes all high-rises (except residential buildings up to 16.5 metres), as well as hotels, business centres, shopping complexes, industrial units, storage facilities, hazardous buildings, and mixed-use structures above 200 square metres.

Educational and institutional buildings taller than 9 metres, assembly halls with an area above 300 square metres, and buildings with large or multiple basements will also require NOCs.

The Act also proposes penalties for violations, including fines up to Rs 50,000 or imprisonment of up to three months.