Chennai to Implement Demand-Based Parking Fees; TN Govt Approves Policy
The Tamil Nadu Government has approved a new parking policy for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), introducing area-level parking management and demand-based pricing. A Government Order was issued on January 25 by the Housing and Urban Development Department.
Developed by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) with support from ITDP India, the policy covers Chennai, Tambaram, Avadi, Kancheepuram, and surrounding municipalities and town panchayats. It aims to encourage public transport use by regulating parking through area-specific plans, dynamic pricing, and advanced technology.
Parking charges will be determined based on vehicle size, duration, demand, peak hours, and location value. Urban local bodies will periodically review the fees as per the ‘Area Level Parking Management Plan.’
The plan also mandates better urban freight management, public transport incentives for large job centers, staggered school timings, and designated pick-up/drop-off zones. Multi-level car parks and EV charging stations will be prioritized.
A Parking Management Unit (PMU) under CUMTA will oversee fee collection and enforcement. Revenue from parking fees will be reinvested in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including better footpaths and cycling tracks.
For public consultation, documents are available on CUMTA’s official website.
