‘Receipts go missing’: Parking woes pile up, BMC’s revenue dips even amid festive rush

Bhopal: Bhopal's bustling commercial zones, including New Market and MP Nagar, are witnessing a festive season surge, with premium parking lots filling up rapidly. Yet, despite the crowd and demand, the Bhopal municipal corporation (BMC) is grappling with falling revenue. And for many residents, parking remains a persistent headache as receipts go missing and the parking system suffers from severe confusion. Think paying more for parking means more money for BMC? Think again. Despite expanding paid parking citywide, BMC's revenue has actually dropped. In 2023, when most parking was free except for premium zones, collections hit Rs 1.84 crore. But after switching to a fully paid model, revenue fell to Rs 1.2 crore in 2024–25—lower than even the previous year's Rs 1.8 crore. "We're yet to see momentum in vendor participation, which affects revenue potential," said BMC corporator and mayor-in-council member in charge of revenue, Jagdish Yadav. He noted that a BMC parking fee revision awaits official approval. It was first announced in Feb. BMC has taken direct control of parking operations through ad hoc contractors, except for premium parking. Commuters continue to face disorganised and problematic parking conditions. Residents report inconsistent fees, missing payment receipts and overall confusion in the system. "There's no transparency. They charge whatever they want and refuse to give a receipt," said Satish, a daily commuter in MP Nagar. "If you ask questions, they just wave you off. Where are we supposed to complain?" The sentiment of dissatisfaction prevails amongst others. "I paid Rs 50 for just an hour in New Market, and when I asked for a slip, the attendant said they don't have any," said Priya Soni, a college student. "It feels like there's no system at all." The absence of a proper complaint resolution system and limited supervision has created concerns about management. Over the past decade, BMC through smart city project has invested over around Rs 150 crore in creation of improved parking spaces across the city. "Parking is a basic civic service. If even that's being mishandled, what are we paying for?" asked a shopkeeper near Panchanan Bhavan in New Market. The area is a premium parking facility. BMC's official rate structure sets charges between Rs 10-50 for two-wheelers and Rs 30-110 for four-wheelers, based on duration, with weekly and monthly passes. Fee collection continues at various locations, including the premium area from Panchanan Bhavan to Tadeya Sans Dukan in New Market (Zone 7/Ward 34), which holds 64 vehicles. Despite unapproved tenders, fees are being collected, raising legal concerns. "Infrastructure remains in place and parking continues on the ground," Yadav said.