Chandigarh Admn to reintroduce paid parking at Sec 26 mandi

The Chandigarh Market Committee has decided to reintroduce paid parking at the Sector 26 mandi after a gap of nearly four years, aiming to curb haphazard parking and frequent traffic jams in the area.

The committee has invited e-tenders from eligible firms, contractors, agencies, companies and individuals for the operation and management of the paid parking lots.

According to officials, bids have been invited for 10 parking zones. With a reserve price of Rs 1 crore per year, the contract will be awarded for two years and can be extended up to a maximum of four years. The bid amount will increase by 20 per cent in the third year and by another 20 per cent, based on the third-year amount, in the fourth year.

The parking zones have been designated according to the type of vehicle. Separate spaces will be provided for two-wheelers, non-commercial cars, commercial vehicles up to three tonnes, and vehicles weighing between 3 and 9 tonnes. Separate parking zones will also be provided for trucks and tractor-trailers used by farmers.

A four-hour parking fee of Rs 10 has been proposed for two-wheelers, with a monthly pass costing Rs 150. For non-commercial four-wheelers, the 12-hour fee will be Rs 20, while the monthly pass will cost Rs 300.

The four-hour fee for commercial vehicles up to three tonnes will be Rs 20, with a day pass costing Rs 50. The 24-hour fee for vehicles weighing between 3 and 9 tonnes will be Rs 135, while a day pass will cost Rs 150. A one-time entry fee of Rs 180 has been proposed for vehicles weighing more than 9 tonnes.

In a relief to farmers, no parking fee will be charged for their tractor-trailers. Mandi shopkeepers will also be allowed to park their personal vehicles free of charge.

A digital system will be implemented for parking management. A slip will be issued at the entrance, while the fee will be collected at the exit. Payment facility through UPI, debit and credit cards, and digital wallets will be mandatory.

Officials said CCTV cameras would have to be installed at all parking lots, with recordings maintained for three months.

A fine of up to Rs 10,000 may be imposed for the first violation. In case of repeated violations, action may also be taken to terminate the contract.

The tender also takes into account the possibility of shifting the mandi to Sector 39. If the market is shifted during the contract period, the contractor will be allowed to surrender the contract without penalty or other action.