Kolkata’s parking system is set for a major change from September 1, with the civic authorities introducing a new parking management system and an app that will provide real-time information on available parking spaces.
The new arrangement will initially cover Kolkata, Howrah and Bidhannagar. Municipal authorities have also decided to introduce night parking charges in Howrah and Bidhannagar, similar to the existing system in Kolkata.
New parking app to provide real-time updates
Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul said a dedicated app will soon be launched to make parking in the city more organised.
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According to Paul, the app will be launched by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. It will allow motorists to check parking availability in real time before reaching busy areas.
Agnimitra said, “Our side will quickly launch an app through the Chief Minister. Real-time information will be available there. You may be going to the Park Street or Esplanade area, and you will be able to know in advance how many parking spaces are vacant or unavailable. Accordingly, you can plan ahead. No one will be allowed to park a car or motorcycle outside designated parking areas.”
Parking outside designated areas to attract hefty fines
The authorities have identified and finalised the areas where official parking facilities will be provided across the three municipal regions.
Officials also discussed how many parking spaces should be available during peak hours and which locations face greater demand for parking.
Parking a car or motorcycle outside the designated areas will invite strict action. The meeting also decided that motorists could face heavy fines for violating the parking rules.
The exact fine amount and the number of vehicles that can be accommodated at each parking facility will be announced soon.
Howrah and Bidhannagar to introduce night parking charges
The new system will not be limited to daytime parking. Howrah and Bidhannagar municipalities will also collect night parking charges from people who leave their vehicles on roads at night.
Paul specifically warned motorists in Salt Lake against parking on roads despite having designated parking facilities.
She also said, “In Salt Lake, many people park their cars on the roads even when they have their own parking facilities. I want to say, do not do this. Do not block the roads. If anyone parks a car or motorcycle on the road, the municipality will collect night parking charges.”
Nabanna meeting finalises parking arrangements
A meeting on the new parking system was held at Nabanna on Saturday, chaired by Agnimitra Paul.
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The administrators and commissioners of the three municipal bodies attended the meeting, along with officials from the three police commissionerates.
The discussions focused on finalising the locations for government-designated parking, the number of spaces required during busy periods and areas where parking demand is particularly high.
The new measures are scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, September 1, marking a fresh attempt to bring parking in Kolkata, Howrah and Bidhannagar under a more structured system.