To that, transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said the city is progressing towards a robust public transport system, including new Metro lines this year and additional electric AC buses.The authorities have identified several areas in Mumbai where congestion taxes may be implemented this year, including BKC, Nariman Point, Worli, and Lower Parel.
Once a regulatory framework is established, a fee will be charged for vehicles entering these busy hubs during peak hours, similar to the congestion pricing systems in London and New York, said a senior transport department official.
This could be introduced as part of a hybrid model, which may also include compulsory parking for new vehicle registrations. The parking plan has drawn mixed reactions. While some transport analysts called it a prudent step to decrease jams, others said it may resolve parking problems in residential areas, but not at workplaces. "Most buildings in the island city constructed before 1990 lack parking facilities. There was opposition from them when BMC attempted to enforce the ‘no parking on roads rule' previously," said analyst A V Shenoy from Mumbai Mobility Forum.
Experts also called for a robust public transport system if the purchase of private vehicles is to be discouraged. Transport expert Vivek Pai said public transport was insufficient in the city, compelling citizens to buy two- or four-wheelers. "We need proof of adequate public transport if govt is demanding proof of parking to discourage us from buying vehicles," he said, noting that if comprehensive public transport existed across the city, people would opt against private vehicles. To that, transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said the city is progressing towards a robust public transport system, including new Metro lines this year and additional electric AC buses.
Activists propose that the govt can implement mandatory scrapping of all private vehicles exceeding 15 years, which would substantially reduce the number of cars and ease congestion. Several motorists highlighted potential manipulation of parking space. "For example, an RTO agent could obtain the car buyer's signature on a fabricated document, indicating available parking space," said Amit Jadhav, a car owner from the eastern suburbs.
Conversely, numerous analysts and activists endorsed the govt plan, asserting it could regulate vehicle population, and substantially diminish congestion and pollution. Ashok Datar from Mumbai Mobility Forum said restraint was an effective approach to reduce snarl-ups, thereby encouraging the transition from cars to buses or trains and the Metro.
