Passengers question GST levy on parking at Patna Junction

Patna: Even though the Centre has announced reform in goods and services tax (GST) effective from Sept 22 to ease the tax burden, the railways is yet to announce any relief in GST levied on vehicle parking charges at major railway stations. Passengers at Patna Junction and nearby terminals continue to pay higher rates due to the inclusion of GST.At Patna Junction, the disparity in parking charges has also raised eyebrows. Four-wheeler parking for two hours costs Rs 50 at the Mahavir Mandir side while it is Rs 25 at the Karbighaiya end. At Rajendra Nagar Terminal, the charge stands at Rs 30 for two hours for four-wheelers, exclusive of GST.With GST added, the rate at Patna Junction’s Mahavir Mandir side rises to Rs 59. However, commuters allege that parking attendants routinely collect Rs 60, refusing to return the Re 1 change, a small but symbolic issue that has become a point of frustration for daily users.The Bihar Daily Passengers’ Association (BDPA) has demanded abolition of GST on vehicle parking within railway station premises in view of the reform announced by the Centre. “Parking is a basic facility. GST should not be imposed on it. Passengers are already paying significant travel costs, including GST on journey. Additional taxes on parking are unfair,” association’s general secretary, Shoaib Quaraishi, said. He added that actual parking charges should be transparently collected without rounding up under the pretext of GST.As the Centre has already initiated reforms in GST, including waivers or rate reductions on select services, there is growing pressure on the ministry of railways to extend the relief to parking services at railway stations as well, sources said.According to Samastipur senior divisional commercial manager Ananya Smirti, in light of the recent GST reform, necessary changes in accordance with the new guidelines are being analysed by the railways. “The new parking contracts that will be executed in future will now be governed by the new GST changes,” she said, adding that any change midway will require administrative approvals.