Malabar Hill Residents Demand Parking Restoration Amidst Fines

In a bid to address the ongoing parking predicament, residents of Malabar Hill, Mumbai, have intensified their demand for the restoration of parking spots along Ridge Road (BG Kher Marg).

The issue came to the forefront when resident Ravi Mandrekar contested a parking fine and engaged with joint commissioner of police (traffic) Anil Kumbhare to seek resolution. The heart of the matter lies in the scarcity of parking spaces in Malabar Hill, aggravated by the historical practice of residents parking their vehicles along Ridge Road due to limited parking provisions in the area. However, enforcement of no-parking zones on the road post-COVID lockdowns has triggered discontent among residents, leading to a prolonged standoff with traffic authorities. Residents argue that the evolving scenario, compounded by increased governmental convoy traffic, has exacerbated the parking crisis. Despite engaging with various officials and proposing solutions, including limited parking hours and paid parking spots, a satisfactory resolution remains elusive.

With over 120 families expressing support and local businesses witnessing adverse impacts due to restricted parking, the issue has garnered widespread attention and solidarity. The imposition of fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500 has burdened residents and business owners alike, highlighting the urgent need for a viable parking solution. While discussions with authorities have yielded temporary concessions, such as informal parking allowances during specific hours, a concrete resolution remains pending. The proposed provision of paid parking spots, suggested during meetings with civic officials, has yet to materialise, leaving residents in limbo.

The escalating parking dispute underscores the broader challenges associated with urban infrastructure management and the imperative for collaborative efforts between residents, authorities, and businesses to address them effectively. As the stalemate persists, Malabar Hill residents continue their push for a sustainable and equitable resolution to the parking conundrum, emphasising the importance of community engagement and proactive governance in urban planning initiatives. Gita Ved, another resident in the group, said, “We’re painted as causing obstructions on the road, but when there are meetings, many cars are parked along the road. The police and officials have been very understanding, but the issue is stuck. We still have to manage with no parking on the days in the week, either by parking far off or by leaving our cars in the office.”