'Parking extortion' in Kolkata to end anytime soon? Here's what Mayor says

Kolkata is grappling with a persistent problem of illegal and exorbitant parking fees, with numerous citizens alleging that official parking rates set by the municipality are routinely ignored. Instead, many report being charged double or even triple the official amount, often without a valid receipt. This issue recently came to a head during a 'Talk to Mayor' session, where Mayor Firhad Hakim was inundated with complaints from residents.

During the session, citizens highlighted that they are often forced to pay exorbitant fees, such as ₹30 to ₹50 per hour for bikes, with no receipt provided. When they request one, they are often met with rude and aggressive behavior from the parking attendants. Hearing these widespread complaints, Mayor Hakim immediately instructed the head of the parking department to take swift and decisive action to address the problem.

In response to the complaints, the Mayor has ordered the installation of boards displaying the official parking rates across the city. Additionally, he has directed the development of a special mobile application that will allow citizens to file direct complaints about illegal charges and other parking-related issues. The Mayor’s move is aimed at increasing transparency and empowering citizens to fight back against this illicit practice.

"I will not tolerate the parking mafia," Mayor Hakim stated emphatically. He further added that the illegal collection of fees not only burdens the public but also results in significant revenue loss for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). However, some officials within the KMC are skeptical, pointing out that a similar complaint app launched by the Kolkata Police did not yield significant results. They believe that a comprehensive restructuring of the parking fee system and stricter, tech-driven surveillance are necessary for a lasting solution.

A key part of the problem lies with the outdated parking fee structure, which has remained unchanged for nearly 15 years. While a proposal to increase the fees was floated a few years ago, it was reportedly withdrawn under pressure from the state government's headquarters, Nabanna. This has led to a situation where private agencies entrusted with collecting fees are allegedly pocketing illegal profits, often with local political backing.

The problem is particularly acute in busy areas like Park Street, Gariahat, and Esplanade, where complaints of being charged as much as ₹100 per hour for cars are common. While there is some doubt about the effectiveness of the new app and awareness boards, the Mayor remains optimistic. He believes that with the right measures, the city can successfully curb the illegal collection of parking fees and bring relief to its citizens.