Open House: Given poor condition of lots, should free parking be allowed till they are spruced up?

Introduce passes only after upgrades

Introduce temporary free parking until all Municipal Corporation (MC) lots meet basic cleanliness, lighting and security standards. Implement the paid annual pass only after visible upgrades and transparent timelines. Meanwhile engage citizens, provide discounts for frequent users, and audit maintenance regularly now.

Parvinder Singh, Mohali

Don't charge for substandard facilities

The proposal for a parking pass is progressive, yet implementing it without first upgrading the city's poorly maintained parking lots would be unfair. Citizens should not be burdened with charges for substandard facilities. The initiative must begin with proper repair, safety measures, and improved accessibility in all parking areas. Only then will the pass system be seen as value for money. Transparent use of funds, periodic monitoring are essential to build public confidence.

Vineet Gandhi, Chandigarh

Improve customer service first

Before talking about passes, we need to focus on responsibilities of the contractor: the safety of the vehicle and assistance visitors in parking their vehicles. After charging money, attendants often leave the customer to search for space. At times, one has to get down and push other vehicles parked to make way for parking or exit and the contractor takes no responsibility of safety.

Col PS Gill (retd)

Hit-and-trial approach will not work

It goes without saying that no hit-and-trial methodology would do on this count more as many a half-baked ideas floated earlier by the Municipal Corporation have already failed to achieve the desired results. Firstly, all parking lots must be made worthy of being used as such. Parking fee should be made commensurate with the level of services to be provided thereat. Besides, those assigned the task of managing the same, must also be held personally accountable for any losses that may be suffered by those availing such facilities.

Kumar Gupt

Poorly maintained lots don't merit fee

The administration's move to impose a fee of Rs. 500 and Rs. 250 for four wheelers and two wheelers without improving the parking facilities is meaningless. The parking lot contractors are not going to improve facilities to justify charging this amount till strictness is imposed on them. The contractors of the parking lots are far from friendly. The administration needs to first upgrade the parking spaces with clear markings and properly regulate the entry and exit points. There should be regular and properly trained staff who operate in a professional manner.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Citizens should do their bit

Infrastructure flaws do not absolve us of our responsibility to contribute. Taxes are the backbone of public services, and expecting amenities without payment only worsens it. Freebies may seem appealing, but they often erode accountability and encourage complacency. Refusing to pay for prompt services is a subtle form of social corruption and it undermines the priniciples of shared responsibility and

civic integrity. We must hold ourselves to the same standards we expect of others.

Narinder Banwait, Chandigarh

Will deepen public resentment

Introducing a uniform parking pass without first upgrading the existing parking lots will only deepen public resentment. Citizens should not be charged for substandard, pothole-ridden, poorly lit, and insecure facilities. The Municipal Corporation must prioritise repairing, paving, marking, ensuring cleanliness, installing proper lighting, and adding security and surveillance before monetising services. A phased approach works best-first. Alternatively, until improvements are visible, parking should remain free or at minimal charges, reinforcing public trust and demonstrating accountability.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Address loopholes in proposal

The Municipal Corporation is considering introducing single parking passes for all parking lots in Chandigarh, allowing vehicle owners to park in any of the 89 designated parking areas without worrying about individual lot fees. The proposed pass would cost ?500 for four-wheelers and ?250 for two-wheelers, valid for unlimited entries and exits across all parking lots. There's no clear information on whether the civic body will refund money to one-time parking pass holders if parking slots are full. This might be an essential aspect to clarify before implementing the single-pass system. The parking lots should also be improved before introducing such a service.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

Restore public trust first

The city already struggles with high parking charges, and residents often feel that the fees they pay do not match the facilities provided. Most parking areas lack proper lighting, security, or even basic cleanliness. Vehicles are left vulnerable to theft or damage, while people continue paying hefty amounts for services that are hardly visible. Instead of investing immediately in beautification drives or cosmetic improvements, the administration should first improve basic amenities and restore public trust.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Ensure intended service is delivered

There should be a policy for free parking for damaged lots on the reasoning that the same is not a functional amenity for the payer and does not provide the intended service, instead posing a risk of damage to a vehicle. However, challenges like defining "damaged", fixing the proportion of responsibility, which can be the parking operator, the municipality. A more practical approach could be followed, including implementing a clear complaint system to get timely repairs

and other temporary alternatives, along with providing prorated refunds or compensation to drivers.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Carry out phased improvements

The proposal of a single parking pass of ?500 for four-wheelers and ?250 for two-wheelers in Chandigarh has generated debate, especially given the poor condition of many parking lots. While it may appear logical to demand free parking until the facilities are improved, such a step may not be practical. Making parking free would cause a substantial loss of revenue for the Municipal Corporation, which is already struggling to maintain civic infrastructure. Instead of making it free, the MC should implement the pass system while simultaneously committing to phased improvements of parking lots, thereby ensuring both financial sustainability and orderly management.

HS Bhalla, Chandigarh

passes will make parking convenient

The idea of the Municipal Corporation introducing a single parking pass (250 each on two-wheeler and 500 on four-wheeler) would be appropriate as it would create convenience and avoid cases of corruption. At the moment, citizens cannot use the lots because of unsystematic fees and misunderstanding. A standardised pass system will not only eradicate exploitation by contractors, but will also provide affordability to ordinary commuter. Residents will be charged a fixed amount of money to avail the several parking places without going through the daily struggles.

Kumud Sachdeva, Dera Bassi

Smart digital parking system needed

The proposal for monthly parking will increase load density at the public parking places. Money should not be only criteria for the civic body when proposing ideas. Rather, it should earn revenue through other means. Parking changes should be based on actual parking time utilised and not on monthly bases. Lastly, a smart digital parking system should be implemented before issuing RCs for vehicles on the lines of auto debit system.

Col TBS Bedi, Mohali

Better supervision required

Parking lots are not mere utility spaces; they reflect the discipline and character of a city. Clean, well-organised, and digitally managed lots add beauty, generate revenue, and enhance Chandigarh's image as a modern tourist hub. Sadly, careless attendants, quarrels over small change, and people rushing to avoid fees often cause nuisance and accidents. Such lapses tarnish the city's reputation. Smarter solutions like transparent fixed charges, digital payments and professional supervision are urgently needed.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Develop a dedicated parking app

The Municipal Corporation's decision to introduce a monthly pass for all parking lots is a welcome step that will both boost revenue and improve accessibility. However, to maximise the benefits, the Corporation should implement a parking app through a Public-Private Partnership. This approach would further enhance revenue and upgrade parking lot conditions. The monthly pass should be available on the Municipal Corporation or NHAI website for easy access.

Sunny Dhaliwal

Uniform facilities key for uniform fee

While the idea of a single pass may appear convenient, the reality of our infrastructure tells another story. Most parking lots remain in poor condition, with broken surfaces, lack of lighting, poor signage, and inadequate security. In such circumstances, asking citizens to pay such hefty amounts appears unjustified and insensitive. Before imposing new fees, the civic body must first ensure that the facilities meet basic standards of safety, cleanliness, and usability. Only after upgrading and maintaining these spaces should any such charges be considered.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Weigh in all pros and cons

The proposal for introducing monthly parking passes seems to be good one and welcome. Perhaps it is part of the civic body's ongoing efforts to improve parking service. Still, there is a need for careful consideration. People should give more time to assess its pros and cons. Ian of the opinion that at no question it should made Free parking. Citizen had long skeening solution of parking problem. Hope this will address this. Need cooperation from all stakeholders and officials to make it successful.

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

Will reduce physical intervention

The civic proposal issuing monthly parking passes admissible for entire parking areas in the city is certainly laudable, as this would provide economical and hassel-free services to commuters. The monthly pass should be displayed on wind screen for entry without physical intervention. While implementing this facility it should be incumbent for the civic body to ensure parking lots are , efficiently managed by trained staff with adequate attendants in prescribed uniform in the parking area to guide and assist, in disciplined parking. Multi-level parking lots should have smart automated operative systems, blinking available parking slots on display screen on each level to assist visitors.

SS Arora, Mohali

Improve management of parking lots

The age-old promise of developing smart parking in Chandigarh have remained hollow and the poor conditions of these parking lots are an eyesore. Instead of hiking prices or issuing monthly passes, the authorities must improve the condition of these areas. Proper deployment of personnel to supervise the parking is a must. Moreover, the process of collecting parking charges needs to be expedited. Obstructions and irregular parkings must also be checked.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Charges should be in line with facilities

The priority should be ensuring basic improvements as CCTV, security proper markings, lighting, clean liners etc are done properly. Once facilities improve people will be more willing to pay. No doubt, a Rs 500 rupees and Rs 250 pass may seem justified, but it is significant if services are not provided clearly, charging for substandard infrastructure feels unfair to commuters.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar

An unfair burden on residents

Charging a fee for poorly maintained parking lots is an unfair burden on citizens. The Municipal Corporation should immediately make all parking lots free of charge until they are fully spruced up and properly managed. The proposed pass, while convenient, should not be implemented until the basic infrastructure and service quality justify the cost. By making parking free temporarily, the MC can demonstrate its commitment to public service.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Lay the groundwork before starting passes

Before passing the resolution of monthly parking fee, the civic body should have done the homework first. In most cases roads are required to be repaired, the workers should have a specific uniform to be identified. Proper markings, with a reserve slots for senior citizens and persons with disabilities near the entrance should be done. The staff should be polite and friendly with the people and must help them in parking where space is restricted. Till all is done parking should be free.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar