Karnataka proposes stricter parking rules for Bengaluru, seeks public feedback

Bengaluru: Karnataka has proposed new parking rules for Bengaluru, including higher charges for prolonged on-street parking, restrictions on parking along congested roads and incentives for converting vacant sites into parking facilities. It has invited public comments on the draft rules until September 10.

The government will consider feedback from citizens and stakeholders before finalising the rules.

Bengaluru has more than 1.28 crore registered vehicles, besides an estimated 15-20 lakh vehicles registered outside the city but operating here. With vehicles parked at homes, offices or elsewhere for nearly 95% of the time, parking has become a major challenge, an official statement said.


The draft rules seek to implement the Bengaluru Parking Policy approved in 2021 and provide a regulatory framework for parking within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits.

The government said Bengaluru's low road density, narrow roads and rising congestion have made unregulated parking a growing problem. Parked vehicles can consume a significant portion of road capacity, increase in congestion and travel times, while obstructing pedestrian movement.

The proposed framework aims to expand organised parking, encourage vacant sites to be used for parking, incentivise compliance with parking norms, curb misuse of designated parking spaces, regulate and price on-street parking and strengthen enforcement.

Owners of vacant sites that provide multi-level or mechanised parking would be eligible for a 100% property tax and service-charge exemption. Sites used for surface parking would get a 50% property tax exemption, the statement said.

The rules propose a fee-based parking system, with tariffs determined by factors such as road classification and location. The government intends to ensure that public transport remains a more economical option than private vehicles. Monthly passes would also be available for regular users of off-street parking facilities.

On-street parking would be prohibited on highly congested arterial roads and may be restricted during peak hours on major corridors. Parking would also be prohibited around designated multi-level parking and transit facilities to encourage their use. Longer parking durations would attract higher charges.

The rules empower police and civic authorities within GBA limits to enforce parking regulations. Action may also be taken against building owners who fail to provide mandated parking or divert designated parking spaces for other uses.

The government plans to periodically publish parking revenue statements. The revenue would be used for traffic and junction improvements, as well as road and footpath repairs.

The rules were prepared following consultations with GBA, the Directorate of Urban Land Transport, BDA, BMRCL, BMTC, K-RIDE and other agencies. The government said they are based on the 2021 Parking Policy and are intended to address Bengaluru's long-standing parking and traffic problems.