Authority finds an answer to Mumbai's parking problem in malls

In order to meet the parking space requirement in the city, the Mumbai Parking Authority (MPA) held meetings with malls to use their parking space during the weekdays. The mall owners can charge as decided by them and the parking authority jointly.

The demand for additional parking space arose after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) started imposing heavy penalty for illegal parking from first week of July.

A senior civic official attached to MPA said that post brainstorming on this, they thought of approaching the malls as the space is available through the week Monday to Friday. "There is a lesser footfall during weekdays in malls and even parking space lie idle during night," said the official. He added that these spaces can be used on revenue basis which can be decided later after malls agree.

During the meeting, representatives of around nine malls were present. "Since there is no specific association of malls in the city, a final decision could not be taken," said the civic official. However, he added that there was a positive discussion and if all goes well, parking in malls could be started soon on trial basis. He further added that parking can be an additional revenue generation for malls, and they showed positive sign. "Since they do not have association to take a call, they sought time," he said.

Shishir Joshi, founder and CEO, Project Mumbai and advisor of MPA said, "Several initiatives are being taken simultaneously to ensure congestion on the road gets reduced. We are delighted that commercial institutions, vehicle associations are supporting the effort of the MPA in every possible manner." He added that they are also appealing to larger residential colonies to come forward with suggestions on this.

However, the MPA official said, "If all goes well, public parking will in malls within a week time. But, we will also see what is the demand and how much these parking spaces are occupied."

Meanwhile, parking in BEST depot and terminal will be available for buses and light vehicles. Till Thursday, around 391 buses have started the process of choosing the parking allotments at the depots which will be availbale from August 2.