Narvekar Alleges Parking Scam in South Mumbai, Seeks Suspension of Paid Services

Mumbai, 20th May 2025: Former BJP corporator Makrand Narvekar has alleged a parking fee scam in South Mumbai, accusing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of illegally extending parking contracts beyond their expiry dates. He has demanded that paid parking facilities be made free until new tenders are issued and contractors are formally appointed.

Narvekar, who represented South Mumbai, has written to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, highlighting that certain parking contractors continued operations despite their contracts expiring. He questioned why these paid parking services were still functional when an assistant engineer from Ward A was suspended for extending the contracts without authorization.

“There is no justification for allowing paid parking to continue if the contract extension was illegal,” Narvekar stated, adding that the public should not be forced to pay under invalid arrangements. He urged that responsibility be fixed on those operating these facilities without legal backing.

This comes on the heels of recent complaints of overcharging and unauthorized fee collection at several South Mumbai locations, including outside Jehangir Art Gallery and Gandhi Marg near V.K. B. Following citizen complaints,  action was taken against the contractor agency involved.

Narvekar has demanded an immediate halt to all pay-and-park operations in South Mumbai and called for parking to be made free for citizens until a transparent tendering process is completed and a new parking policy is put in place.

The allegations have stirred debate about transparency and accountability in the BMC’s management of public parking facilities. The civic body has yet to issue an official response to Narvekar’s claims.