Get ready to pay double for parking in Delhi: MCD plans to hike charges at 400 parking lots under GRAP-II; what two-wheeler and car owners need to know

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is likely to double parking charges at around 400 surface parking lots from Wednesday as part of measures to curb air pollution under GRAP-II restrictions. The proposal is currently being examined by the civic body's law department and is expected to receive approval from the competent authority shortly, officials said on Tuesday. Once the necessary clearance is received, the revised rates will be implemented. The proposed hike is aimed at discouraging people from using private vehicles as air quality deteriorates in the national capital.

Why is MCD planning to double parking charges in Delhi?

The civic body has faced difficulties in implementing similar parking fee hikes in previous years due to opposition to the proposals and contractual issues involving private parking operators. One of the key concerns is how the additional money collected after doubling the charges would be distributed. According to officials, existing agreements do not automatically allow the MCD to receive the extra amount.

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"Under the existing terms and conditions, there is no provision for the additional amount collected after doubling the parking charges to automatically go to the MCD. If the charges are doubled without addressing the contractual arrangements, the additional money could go to the contractor," an official said.

The corporation has also raised concerns that parking operators could seek compensation if restrictions on older vehicles reduce the number of vehicles using their facilities.

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"If the number of vehicles coming to these parking sites falls because of the restrictions, contractors could claim losses and seek compensation from the MCD. The existing contracts cannot simply be changed without examining the terms and the mechanism for revising them," the official said.

MCD parking fee hike faced hurdles in previous years

The civic body has also pointed to the absence of consolidated data on vehicles using its parking facilities. These lots serve vehicles registered in Delhi as well as other National Capital Region (NCR) cities, while registration records are maintained by the transport department.

The MCD has made several attempts to revise parking charges in the past, including proposals for a four-fold increase. However, these did not receive approval from the House.

An earlier proposal to double the rates was also referred back by the House, while a revised proposal was rejected in March 2025.

What are the current MCD parking charges in Delhi?

At present, MCD parking lots charge Rs 20 per hour for four-wheelers and Rs 10 per hour for two-wheelers. Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has already doubled parking charges at its parking facilities from November 1 as part of its pollution-control measures.

The proposed MCD hike would cover around 400 surface parking lots across the city, subject to the necessary approvals.


Inputs from PTI