In a significant move aimed at streamlining city parking and enhancing municipal revenue, Chandigarh is set to introduce affordable monthly parking passes for residents starting next year. The announcement was made by the city's Mayor, Harpreet Kaur Babla, during a Municipal Corporation House meeting.
New Parking Pass System Details
Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla revealed that the new monthly parking pass system is likely to be rolled out from mid-January 2026. Under this scheme, residents can avail a monthly pass for their four-wheeler at a cost of ₹500, while a pass for a two-wheeler has been fixed at ₹250. This marks a shift from the current system where passes are limited to selected locations and cost ₹420 for cars and ₹210 for two-wheelers.
The mayor expressed optimism that all formalities would be completed in time for the mid-January launch. Crucially, Babla confirmed that the monthly passes would be valid for use at all parking lots across Chandigarh, including those in market areas and residential sectors. This universal validity addresses a key demand for convenience among vehicle owners.
Revenue Boost and Public Support
The initiative is not just about convenience; it's a strategic financial decision for the civic body. The Municipal Corporation expects this new parking pass regime to generate a substantial annual revenue of ₹20 to 25 crore. This projection is based on strong public support for the idea.
A recent survey conducted in the city indicated that nearly 70 per cent of residents were in favour of a ₹500 monthly pass for cars that could be used at all paid parking sites. A concerned committee has also recommended the introduction of both monthly and quarterly pass options for cars and two-wheelers, featuring unlimited entry and exit, to further simplify the process.
Phased 24x7 Water Supply Project
In another major development announced during the same meeting, the Municipal Corporation has decided to implement its ambitious pan-city 24x7 water supply project in a phased manner. Striking a fiscally prudent note, Mayor Babla stated that the corporation will not take any loans to fund this large-scale infrastructure upgrade.
"We will continue implementing it according to the availability of funds," Babla told The Indian Express. Public health officials had presented eight different options for the House's consideration. One proposed model involves fully implementing the 24x7 supply in one selected zone using currently available funds. This would involve:
- Complete pipeline replacement
- Installation of smart meters
- Upgradation of water works
This model zone would then serve as a benchmark for phased expansion across the rest of the city as more funds become available, ensuring measurable and reliable outcomes for residents.
The twin announcements regarding parking and water supply signify a proactive approach by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation towards improving urban services while maintaining financial discipline. The successful implementation of the parking pass system from January 2026 will be closely watched by residents and other cities alike.
