Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has proposed revising parking charges across the city before Diwali, with rates set to vary according to vehicle type, parking location, zone and traffic density. The proposal would replace charges fixed during 2015–16 and could increase the amount paid by motorists for both on-street and structured parking.
Under the existing system, the first-hour charge is Rs 5 for a two-wheeler, Rs 15 for a car, Rs 50 for a medium commercial vehicle and Rs 75 for a heavy commercial vehicle. The proposed revision introduces different rates for various parking facilities and locations rather than retaining the older uniform structure.
For multilevel and on-street parking facilities covered by one proposed rate structure, the first-hour charge would be Rs 10 for a two-wheeler, Rs 20 for a car, Rs 15 for a three-wheeler and Rs 50 for a light commercial vehicle. The proposed rate for a medium commercial vehicle is Rs 70, while a heavy commercial vehicle could be charged Rs 100.
The proposal also sets out zone-based charges for regular on-street and underbridge parking. In the central, northwest, southwest and western zones, the first-hour rate proposed is Rs 15 for a two-wheeler and Rs 30 for a car. In the eastern, northern and southern zones, the corresponding proposed rates are Rs 10 and Rs 20.
The proposed structure means that parking costs would depend not only on the vehicle but also on where it is parked and how long it remains there. The civic body has cited parking location, zone and traffic congestion as factors in preparing the revised rates. Motorists could therefore face different charges for similar vehicles in different parts of Ahmedabad.
The revision would also cover commercial vehicles, with proposed charges higher than the existing rates in several categories. The proposal places a first-hour charge of Rs 70 on medium commercial vehicles and Rs 100 on heavy commercial vehicles in the multilevel and on-street parking rate structure, compared with current charges of Rs 50 and Rs 75 respectively.
The report does not specify the final approval process, the date on which the revised charges would take effect, or whether the proposal will undergo further changes before implementation. The next formal decision by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will determine whether the proposed rates become operational before Diwali.
