NDMC Reverts Parking Fees to Original Rates After GRAP-II Measures Are Lifted
In a significant move, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has officially withdrawn the enhanced parking charges at its off-street and multilevel parking facilities, just one day after the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-II measures were lifted. This decision aligns with the directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management, marking a return to pre-October pricing structures for visitors.
Official Announcement and Implementation Details
An NDMC official confirmed the rollback, stating, "With the revocation of GRAP-II norms and in line with the Commission for Air Quality Management's order, we have rolled back the increased parking rates." The implementation has been swift, with POS machines used by parking attendants already reset to charge the previous rates. A formal approval file has been submitted and is expected to be cleared by Friday, ensuring all procedural aspects are addressed.
Specific Rate Reductions Across Vehicle Types
The rollback brings substantial reductions in parking fees across various vehicle categories:
- 4-wheeler parking at off-street lots, such as those in Connaught Place, has been reduced from Rs 40 to Rs 20 per hour.
- 2-wheeler fees have been cut from Rs 20 to Rs 10 per hour.
- Bus parking charges have been brought down from Rs 200 to Rs 150 per hour.
These adjustments reverse the doubling of rates that was implemented on October 29 when GRAP-II norms came into force, aimed at curbing air pollution by discouraging private vehicle use.
Areas Unaffected and Current Parking Infrastructure
Officials clarified that on-street parking charges and monthly passes remain unchanged. Additionally, certain sites like Bengali Market and Pandara Road Market were already charging Rs 50 per hour, so no increase was applied during the GRAP-II period, and these rates stay the same. NDMC currently operates a robust network of 126 fully functional parking facilities, which include:
- 99 off-street lots
- 3 multilevel or indoor structures
- 24 on-street sites
Comparison with MCD and Broader Context
In contrast, parking rates under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) remain unchanged at its 400 surface lots, as they were not increased during the GRAP-II period. This highlights the targeted approach taken by NDMC in response to air quality measures. The rollback is part of a broader effort to balance environmental concerns with public convenience, as Delhi continues to address air pollution challenges through regulatory frameworks like GRAP.
