Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Due to the declining air quality index (AQI) in Delhi, the cost of parking in Lutyens' Delhi has now doubled. This measure, reported by The Indian Express, comes as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II restrictions, initiated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reduce the reliance on private vehicles by making parking more expensive. Starting from Tuesday, October 22, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has enforced these new parking charges.
For those parking their vehicles in the area, the rates have seen a significant jump. Where previously, parking a four-wheeler would cost Rs 20 per hour, with a cap of Rs 100 for an entire day, the fees have surged to Rs 40 per hour and Rs 200 for 24 hours. Similarly, two-wheeler owners are now required to pay Rs 20 per hour with a daily maximum of Rs 100, doubling from the earlier rate of Rs 10 per hour with a Rs 50 cap for a day.
Exceptions to the New Parking Fees
It's important to note that the revised parking fees will not affect all. The NDMC has clarified that these increased rates do not apply to on-street parking spots or to individuals holding monthly passes. This decision is aimed at mitigating the city's air pollution by encouraging the public to opt for alternative modes of transportation, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads.
Awaiting Implementation by MCD
Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is lagging in applying these heightened parking charges. Despite the directives under GRAP II, the MCD is yet to put the increased fees into action. Sources indicate that the proposal for the hike must receive approval from the MCD House before it can be implemented. Earlier in August, there was a proposal discussed at an MCD meeting to quadruple the parking fees in line with GRAP II enforcement, but this was delayed, as noted by The Indian Express.
The decision to escalate parking fees in Lutyens' Delhi is a strategic move to combat the city's deteriorating air quality by discouraging the use of private vehicles. With the NDMC already enforcing the new rates and the MCD expected to follow suit post-approval, the initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the environmental challenges facing the capital.
