Chandigarh MC to Issue Tender for 89 Parking Lots; Smart Features Required
The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh is set to float a tender for the operation and management of 89 paid parking lots under its jurisdiction. The proposal will be tabled in the General House meeting scheduled for Monday. The selected contractor will be required to equip these lots with smart parking features, and revised parking rates will become effective once these features are operational.
Revised Parking Rates Approved
The General House meeting held on April 30 last year approved a 30 to 40% increase in parking rates. For two-wheelers, the revised rates range from Rs 7 to Rs 10 for 15 minutes to 4 hours, Rs 10 to Rs 16 for 4 to 8 hours, with an additional Rs 5 per hour after 8 hours. At specific locations like Elante Mall, Fun Republic in Manimajra, and Piccadily multiplex, the rate is Rs 35 for up to 4 hours, Rs 50 for 4-8 hours, and Rs 5 per hour thereafter.
For four-wheelers, rates increase from Rs 14 to Rs 20 for 15 minutes to 4 hours, Rs 25 for 4-8 hours, and Rs 10 per hour for additional time. At the malls and multiplex, four-wheeler parking costs Rs 85 for up to 4 hours, Rs 155 for 4-8 hours, and Rs 20 per hour thereafter.
Smart Parking Features Mandatory
The contractor must install smart boom barriers, licence plate recognition systems for cars, ticket dispensers or digital ticketing, CCTVs at entry and exit points, FASTag readers, LED display and message boards, wireless handheld devices for staff, and power backup for cabins or kiosks. Existing rates will apply at the 89 sites until these smart features are operational.
Free Parking for EVs and Short Stays
Electric vehicles will be allowed free parking in earmarked spaces until March 31, 2027. No parking fee will be charged for the first 10 minutes for pick-and-drop at most lots, except at Elante Mall, Fun Republic, and Piccadily multiplex. Basement and multilevel parking will cost Rs 5 less per slab than the applicable rate.
MC One Pass and Free Passes
The winning firm may continue the MC One Pass scheme or offer other concessions with approval from the competent authority. The contractor must honor free parking passes issued by the MC. Approximately 1,500 free passes will be provided to eligible persons.
Current Operations
The MC has been running these parking lots since the last contract ended more than a year ago. The new tender aims to streamline operations and introduce modern technology to improve parking management in the city.
