No Parking, No Vehicle? Maharashtra Mulls Stricter Registration Rules
Mumbai, 3rd March 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasized the need to regulate the increasing number of vehicles in Maharashtra, stating that ownership should be directly linked to the availability of parking space. He suggested that municipal corporations in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune should integrate all parking areas into a single digital platform to streamline parking regulations and enforcement.
“There are several public parking lots in Mumbai, but many remain unused. Moving forward, we aim to introduce a policy where individuals without designated parking space may not be allowed to buy a vehicle,” said Fadnavis.
He proposed an alternative solution, saying, “Instead of restricting vehicle ownership, we can create an app-based system where people can rent parking spaces if they do not have one. This will help in preventing illegal roadside parking, easing traffic congestion, and reducing accidents.”
The Chief Minister credited state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik for this initiative.
CM, Deputy CMs to Oversee Raigad District
Fadnavis also addressed the ongoing debate over the guardian minister position in Raigad district, stating that he, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, will jointly take charge. “With all three of us handling the district, there is no need for concern,” he assured.
Vehicle Registration May Require Mandatory Parking Proof
Last month, State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar had revealed that a policy was being considered to mandate proof of certified parking space for new vehicle registrations. The transport department has since forwarded a proposal to the state government, seeking approval for its implementation.
Fadnavis, who was present for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the upcoming RTO Parivahan Bhavan in Worli, also highlighted efforts to phase out older vehicles. “We have initiated automatic testing and scrapping centers, starting with government vehicles. A total of 18,000 government-owned vehicles are being scrapped, which will significantly help in reducing pollution levels,” he stated.
Tech-Based Enforcement to Reduce Road Accidents
Discussing road safety measures, the Chief Minister said that the government has deployed technology to enhance traffic enforcement. “Advanced cameras on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway have helped reduce accidents by 29% and 35%, respectively. These cameras capture violations in real time and automatically issue challans to offenders,” he explained.
Proposal to Remove Checkposts for Goods Transport
Fadnavis also called for the removal of goods transport checkposts, arguing that they had become redundant after the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). “The Centre has already directed the removal of such barriers. I have instructed the transport department to submit a proposal for closing all remaining checkposts by April 15. Smooth movement of goods is essential for improving the ease of doing business,” he added.
New RTO Headquarters to Enhance Services
The new Parivahan Bhavan in Worli, which will serve as the RTO’s headquarters, is designed to improve operational efficiency. The four-story facility, covering 12,800 square meters, will include parking for 150 vehicles, ensuring better management of transport-related services in the city.
