The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to lease 16 prime municipal plots across Chandkheda, Naranpura, Ranip, Sabarmati, Nava Vadaj and the SP Stadium area for pay-and-park facilities.
The plots, located near schools, shopping centres and civic facilities, can collectively accommodate around 3,434 vehicles, including 2,479 two-wheelers and 955 four-wheelers.According to the proposal, the 16 plots will be leased to private contractors for a combined annual rent of around Rs 38.35 lakh.
The contractors will be allowed to operate the parking facilities and collect fees directly from motorists.Parking charges are expected to range from Rs 5 to Rs 500, depending on the vehicle category and duration of parking.More paid parking spaces plannedThe move is part of the AMC’s plan to expand pay-and-park facilities in several parts of the city, particularly in areas witnessing heavy traffic and footfall.
The proposed leasing has also raised questions over whether the AMC could earn more revenue by charging contractors a higher, commercially viable lease amount, given the potential income from parking fees.The proposal is likely to renew the debate over the use of municipal land, parking charges and the revenue model between the civic body and private operators.