Minister urges reconsideration of Bengaluru roadside parking fees

Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy has urged Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to reconsider proposed annual roadside parking fees in Bengaluru, warning they could impose significant financial strain on middle-class and ordinary families.

Under the draft Greater Bengaluru Authority (Parking) Rules, 2026, residents seeking to park on public roads outside their homes could face annual fees ranging from Rs 15,000 for hatchbacks to Rs 25,000 for sports utility vehicles. Reddy noted that many residents in older layouts or smaller houses lack private parking facilities and are forced to rely on public roads.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Reddy highlighted that these charges come at a time when households are already managing rising costs for essential commodities, fuel, and other living expenses. He suggested that the government should distinguish between illegal long-term parking and residents who lack alternative space, and recommended consultations with local MLAs and resident welfare associations before finalizing the rules.