Parking charges may reach ₹120 for cars, adding to the daily expenses of passengers
Ahmedabad Metro commuters may soon have to pay parking charges at plots near 10 metro stations, despite earlier assurances by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) of providing free parking facilities. The civic body has planned to introduce a pay-and-park system at these locations, with charges expected to reach ₹120 for four-wheelers.
The parking facilities are planned to accommodate 3,342 two-wheelers and 200 four-wheelers. The plots are located near stations in Navrangpura, Sabarmati, Vastral, S.P. Stadium and Ramol.
Under the proposed arrangement, the AMC will hand over the plots to contractors at monthly rents ranging from ₹13,000 to ₹50,000. Contractors will be allowed to charge ₹5 to ₹25 for two-wheelers and ₹15 to ₹120 for four-wheelers.
The decision is likely to increase expenses for daily commuters, particularly students and working professionals who park their vehicles for eight to 10 hours while travelling by metro. Depending on the applicable rates, two-wheeler users could pay ₹25 to ₹70 a day, potentially exceeding the basic metro fare.
The move has raised concerns among commuters who depend on the metro for affordable daily travel. While authorities encourage citizens to use public transport, the introduction of parking fees could add to their commuting costs.