Ramalinga Reddy seeks review of proposed annual ₹25,000 residential parking fee

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to comprehensively review the proposed annual fee of ₹15,000-₹25,000 for residential parking permits in Bengaluru.

Mr. Reddy shared his letter to the Chief Minister on social media and said that while curbing illegal and long-term street parking was crucial to easing traffic congestion, many middle-class residents in older layouts and smaller houses lacked internal parking facilities. He said the additional annual fee could place a significant financial burden on citizens amid the rising cost of living.

Although the new draft of the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s parking rules has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the parking system in the city, which could help ease congestion, the residential parking permit rule drew substantial backlash.

Mr. Reddy pointed out the rising cost of essential commodities in recent times and said that the parking fee could further add to the burden on citizens. He particularly pointed out that middle-class families living in rented places and apartment complexes would face hurdles.

Mr. Reddy said he had urged the Chief Minister to consult Bengaluru MLAs, resident welfare associations, and other stakeholders to arrive at a balanced solution, including necessary exemptions for locals.