Pune: PCMC Forced to Terminate ‘Pay and Park’ Policy Amidst Resistance

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 30th May 2024: Due to officials’ inaction, political opposition, police non-cooperation, and an increase in traffic-related issues, the ‘Pay and Park’ policy introduced by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been terminated. The contractor has notified PCMC that they will no longer enforce the parking policy as the contract term has ended at four experimental locations. This exacerbates the traffic congestion in the city, with vehicles haphazardly parked on roads.

The population of Pimpri-Chinchwad is rapidly growing, accompanied by a surge in vehicle numbers. With the city’s current population at around 30 lakhs and vehicle count at 24 lakhs, an additional 3.75 lakh vehicles have been registered in the last three years, intensifying traffic issues. The PCMC initially implemented the ‘Pay and Park’ policy to address traffic control, fuel conservation, efficient public transport utilization, and individual benefits. Initially planned for 80 locations, the implementation commenced at only 20 spots on 1st July 2021. However, the initiative failed, leading Nirmala Auto Care, the contractor, to withdraw from 16 out of 20 locations due to financial and workforce constraints.

Until recently, ‘Pay and Park’ operated on a trial basis at only four locations: Chaphekar Chowk in Chinchwad, Saint Mother Teresa Flyover, Nashik Phata, and Nigdi Flyover. However, the contractor, Nirmala Auto Care, has also announced its withdrawal after the trial period. With no parking policy in place, vehicles occupy road space, worsening traffic congestion. Political opposition and citizen protests, including refusal to pay parking fees, further hampered the policy’s implementation, prompting the contractor’s withdrawal.

PCMC is now exploring implementing ‘Pay and Park’ at the ward office level to instil driver discipline and alleviate traffic jams. The administration anticipates revenue generation at the ward office level through this initiative.

Bapusaheb Gaikwad, Executive Engineer of PCMC, stated, “Citizens strongly opposed the parking policy, and even the police did not cooperate. With the contractor’s term ending at the four locations, they have informed us in writing that they will discontinue operations.”