PCMC to redesign parking policy after two failed attempts due to lukewarm response

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is preparing to introduce a third revised version of its citywide parking policy after two failed attempts at implementation. Civic officials said they are hopeful that better planning and stronger political support will help ensure its success this time.

Senior civic officials said a fresh survey is underway, and the new framework is being drafted after studying parking models implemented in cities such as Chennai and Bengaluru. Zonal offices and local corporators have been asked to identify potential parking locations in their respective areas.

“The draft policy will be placed before the general body for approval once the model code of conduct is lifted,” a senior PCMC official said.

The policy is being prepared in coordination with the traffic police. Senior-level discussions have already been held to ensure stricter enforcement once it is implemented.

PCMC first introduced a parking policy in 2021, but the initiative failed during the Covid-19 pandemic and struggled to gain traction even after restrictions were lifted. The contractor appointed for implementation later withdrew in 2024, citing financial losses due to poor response.

“Enforcement was a major issue at that time. The Pimpri Chinchwad police commissionerate was newly formed, and there was no permission to tow vehicles parked in no-parking zones, so motorists were not afraid of action,” the official said, adding that traffic police in the twin cities now have towing vehicles and enforcement can be ensured.

Last year, the civic body launched a pilot project at Nashik Phata and Empire Estate Bridge with revisions based on feedback from the previous attempt. PCMC had also announced a WhatsApp chatbot to book parking slots, but the facility never became fully operational and received a poor response. Although the civic body planned to expand the project to 16 locations in a phased manner, the weak response kept it limited to just two locations.

Officials said the latest draft will include roadside parking on roads wider than 18 metres, along with larger parking structures for long-term parking. Monthly passes are also being planned for local residents. One such location has been identified in the busy Pimpri Camp market area.

“It has been decided that roadside parking will only be allowed on wider roads, while traffic police will take action against vehicles parked in adjoining narrow lanes to ensure proper implementation,” the official added.

Civic officials admitted there are risks given the previous failures, but said support from corporators across the city could improve implementation this time.

Residents and activists, however, said the earlier policies failed due to a lack of scientific planning.

“Parking facilities should be created where there is demand, not merely where space is available. The civic body needs proper study and reverse planning if it wants the policy to succeed,” activist Tushar Shinde said.

Prashant Patil, a resident of Chinchwad, said enforcement alone would not ensure the success of the parking policy and stressed the need for greater public awareness.

“The civic body already has parking facilities operational at two locations, but very few people are aware of them. This shows that PCMC has failed to promote the facilities effectively,” he said.

Patil said govt-run parking facilities are essential in a rapidly growing city like Pimpri Chinchwad.

“If the authorities do not take timely steps now, the city will face bigger parking problems in the future,” he said.