Parking Rates Burn Hole in Pockets

Srinagar, Nov 21: For thousands of daily commuters in Srinagar, parking a vehicle in the city has turned into an unexpected financial burden, with many alleging that the steep Srinagar Smart City parking tariffs are making routine travel unaffordable. Residents say that over the past year, parking fees have risen so sharply that people now pay more for leaving their vehicle stationary than for the fuel they consume while travelling.

Commuters recall that until a few years ago, parking charges across Srinagar hovered between Rs 20 and Rs 50 irrespective of the duration. They say that those rates, though basic, ensured predictability and did not pinch the pocket. The commuters say that, however, with the rollout of designated roadside parking zones under the Smart City project, charges have been restructured according to duration and category of vehicle, resulting in what many describe as “exorbitant” fees.

Locals say that for four-wheelers, the current tariff begins with Rs 20 for the first 30 minutes, climbs to around Rs 40 per hour thereafter, and can go up to over Rs 230 for extended hours. For two-wheelers, commuters say the tariff starts at Rs 20 for the first 60 minutes and touches Rs 50 for around two hours, with charges escalating further with time.

Several commuters have taken to social media in recent days, calling the revised structure “harsh” and “illogical”, especially because most spots are roadside demarcations rather than proper parking lots. “This Smart City parking has become nothing short of daylight robbery,” said a Srinagar resident who shared his bill of Rs 475 saying that he received the bill “after parking for a few hours. For the same duration, I used to pay Rs 20 or 30 a few years back. Now I am charged hundreds for standing on the roadside.”

Another commuter posted that he was billed Rs 195 for around three and a half hours. “I spent less on fuel for my daily travel than I did on parking. How are common people supposed to manage this?” he said, adding that many now hesitate to bring their private vehicles to commercial hubs.

Some residents said the disproportionately high parking rates are ironically pushing them towards using public transport. “It is strange that parking now costs more than petrol for many short city trips. If this continues, people will simply avoid driving into the city.” Said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local

A senior official from Srinagar Smart City said, “The parking rates underwent revision around a year back and are fixed by a designated committee after proper check. Major parking lots also offer monthly plans for local traders. The roadside parking is priced higher to discourage long-term parking on busy stretches,” he added.

However, commuters insist the new structure needs reconsideration. “Development should not come at the cost of people’s pockets. There has to be a balance. Right now, parking in Srinagar has become a luxury,” said Asif Ahmad, another commuter.