Draft Greater Bengaluru Authority Rules Propose Parking Permits Up to ₹25,000

The draft Greater Bengaluru Authority (Parking) Rules, 2026 have proposed a structured parking framework featuring paid public parking, residential parking permits, and penalties for violations, sparking discussions across Bengaluru neighbourhoods including Bhuvaneshwari Nagar, Defence Colony, and Siddeshwara Layout.

Under the draft regulations, residential property owners bear the primary responsibility of providing adequate parking within their premises for household vehicles and tenants in accordance with building bye-laws. Where on-street parking is permitted, it will require a valid residential parking permit and will be restricted to designated roads within a specified walkable distance from the resident's home.

The rules mandate clear roadway clearances before on-street parking is allowed. On collector roads, 6 metres must remain unobstructed for traffic movement alongside 1.8 metres of clear footpath on both sides. On local roads, 4 metres must be preserved for vehicle flow with a 1.8-metre footpath on at least one side.

To park on designated roads, residents unable to accommodate vehicles within their properties would need annual permits linked to the specific vehicle and owner. The proposed permits would cost ₹15,000 for small cars, ₹20,000 for sedans, and ₹25,000 for SUVs. Each permit would remain valid for up to one year, renewable after verifying continued residence.

Enforcement would be managed through city corporation commissioners, who can designate marshals or other employees to verify permit validity and report violations to the jurisdictional police. The GBA is also tasked with prescribing uniform procedures for issuing permits and addressing grievances.

Civic groups and residents have raised practical concerns regarding enforcement and infrastructure. Kiran M, a Defence Colony resident, questioned how authorities will differentiate between residents, guests, and commuters. Kamala D of Siddeshwara Layout noted that paying for permits does not generate extra parking capacity unless adequate off-street spaces are made available.

Meanwhile, Abdul Aleem, President of the Changemakers of Kanakapura Road Association, welcomed the regulation, stating that Bengaluru has long suffered from unregulated parking on roads and footpaths. Dr Satish Kumar, State Organisational Secretary of the Aam Aadmi Party, opposed hourly fees, advocating instead for scientific traffic management, junction restructuring, increased traffic police deployment, and multi-level parking facilities.