Following a sting operation that revealed a parking racket in the Kala Ghoda area and whistleblower complaints about a mafia controlling nearly 60% of the city’s pay-and-park facilities, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided not to renew contracts with 24 private parking contractors in the “A” Ward, which covers important locations in South Mumbai. The “A” Ward has suggested that all pay-and-park facilities be made free of charge until new contractors be hired in response to the BMC officers’ operation.

The plan, which calls for around 24 parking spaces spread across South Mumbai, is still awaiting top municipal officials’ clearance.

A list of South Mumbai parking lots that are free
The action was taken in response to claims of abuse and anomalies that have raised concerns about the pay-and-park system. The proposal affects 24 parking sites, including well-known locations like Ballard Estate Phase 1 (from Grand Hotel to Scindia House), Barrister Nath Pai Marg, S.N. Hardikar Marg, Ramjibhai Kamani Marg, Kermani Road, Narayan Morarji Marg, P.J. Marg Junction, D.N. Road, T.N. Master Lane, K. Dubash Marg, Sir P.M. Road, Esplanade Lane, S.C. Market (I & II), Horniman Circle, P.M. Road and Homji Street, T.T. Shingadia Marg, Nagindas Master Marg, Vitthaldas Thackersey Marg, BMC Building Marg, Hutatma Chowk No. 1, M.G. Road (near Fashion Street), A.M.R.T. Marg, Bhikha Behram Well Junction, Babubhai Chinai Marg, Janmabhoomi Bhavan Marg, and Horniman Circle.

“On April 18, an assistant engineer from A Ward was suspended even prior to the sting operation. The ward office has previously proposed to top city officials that the 24 pay-and-park locations, whose bidding procedure is still waiting with the deputy chief engineer (traffic), be made free of charge until a new contractor is hired. It is suggested that all 24 sites be turned over to a single organization under the deputy chief engineer (traffic), who would oversee the bidding process, for more thorough examination. A BMC official said, as reported by the TOI.

The districts around Eros Cinema, where the contract is scheduled to end on May 31, and Jamnalal Bajaj Lane, where the contract expired on May 24, are among those where parking has been made free. When their contracts expire on May 31, there won’t be any parking fees at eight additional spots in the island city, according to an A Ward official.

“In order to choose new contractors for each of the 24 sites, we are starting the spot quotation process. According to the HT article, the A ward official said that parking at these areas would stay free until the contract process was finished.

Free parking is a stopgap solution, according to the civic organization, while the BMC examines the current pay-and-park policy and implements more stringent transparency and accountability standards. According to the sources, the civic organization would assign its own employees to all 24 spots to supervise parking and help drivers during this time.

Strict disciplinary action is also being taken by the BMC against the parking racket participants. During a BMC-led sting operation, the contractor at Kala Ghoda was discovered to be overcharging drivers and allowing parking in no-parking zones. As a result, they were charged under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. A proposal to blacklist the contractor has also been submitted to the traffic department.