Ramalinga Reddy seeks review of proposed annual ₹25,000 residential parking fee

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has called on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to conduct a thorough review of the proposed annual fee for residential parking permits in Bengaluru, which ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. In a social media post, Reddy highlighted that while curbing illegal and long-term street parking is vital to alleviating traffic congestion, many middle-class residents in older layouts and smaller houses lack internal parking facilities.

He warned that the additional annual fee could impose a significant financial strain on citizens in the face of rising living costs. The draft of the Greater Bengaluru Authority's parking rules, which aims to overhaul the city's parking system, has received considerable criticism, particularly for the residential parking permit rule.

Reddy pointed out that the rising cost of essential commodities could further burden citizens, especially middle-class families residing in rented places and apartment complexes, who would face challenges. He urged the Chief Minister to consult Bengaluru MLAs, resident welfare associations, and other stakeholders to reach a balanced solution, including necessary exemptions for locals.