BMC Launches Pilot ‘Model Parking Facility’ in Dadar West; Plans Crackdown on Illegal Parking from July 1

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled a pilot initiative to transform the public parking lot on Jagannath Sawant Marg in Dadar West into a model parking facility aimed at improving parking management and easing traffic congestion in the city. Authorities have also announced that strict action against illegal parking in the surrounding areas will begin on July 1.

As part of the project, the civic body has upgraded the parking facility with enhanced lighting, CCTV surveillance, improved cleanliness measures, and additional safety features for women motorists. The initiative is designed to encourage the use of authorised parking spaces and strengthen Mumbai’s public parking infrastructure.

To promote participation, local residents will be offered monthly parking passes at a 50 per cent discounted rate. In the first phase, 400 concessional passes will be made available.

The parking facility on Jagannath Sawant Marg can accommodate nearly 1,000 vehicles. According to Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, nearby locations including Kotwal Garden, Kabutarkhana, Ganesh Peth Galli, and stretches between T.R. Sawant Marg and Bal Govinddas Marg have been declared no-parking zones.

To improve parking discipline, the BMC has installed more than 200 “No Parking” signboards in the area and plans to add more. The civic body is also introducing red-and-black curb markings to clearly indicate no-parking zones, while red-and-white markings will be used to denote odd-even date-based parking arrangements. Additional directional signboards have been installed to guide motorists to designated parking facilities and reduce roadside congestion.

Bangar stated that vehicles found parked in restricted areas around Jagannath Sawant Marg and adjoining roads will face penalties and towing by the traffic police from July 1. The BMC is also exploring the possibility of introducing valet parking services to further enhance convenience and parking management.

The project is being implemented under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. Officials believe that if the pilot receives a positive response, similar model parking facilities could be introduced across Mumbai.

Currently, the BMC operates 37 authorised parking facilities throughout the city, with a combined capacity of over 30,000 vehicles. Civic authorities hope the initiative will improve parking discipline, reduce illegal parking, and help ease traffic bottlenecks in congested areas.