Opportunity for Reforming Parking Supply Mechanisms

With increasing motorization, Indian cities are struggling to manage parking demand, often resorting to increasing supply through multi-level structures and regulatory mandates—approaches that have not resolved the issue. This study aims to guide cities toward a progressive parking paradigm, where on-street parking is limited, priced, and enforced, and off-street parking is market-driven and supply-restricted to reduce private vehicle dependence. Surat and Pimpri-Chinchwad were selected as case study cities to develop a scalable parking reform roadmap tailored to urban mobility goals.

The Urban Lab led the transport planning component of the study, which included designing and conducting user surveys, analyzing primary and secondary data, and organizing city, state, and national-level stakeholder workshops. The focus was to assess existing parking trends, understand user behavior, and evaluate pricing and enforcement mechanisms. The team engaged with local authorities and stakeholders to gather practical insights and build institutional support for policy reform.

The study delivered a comprehensive report highlighting current parking practices, implementation challenges, and user behavior insights. Key deliverables included survey instruments, stakeholder feedback, and a roadmap of policy recommendations focused on pricing reforms, demand-based parking management, and transitioning to efficient, market-oriented systems. The project laid the foundation for sustainable parking strategies that support long-term urban mobility and reduced private vehicle dependence.