Kullu residents demand action against arbitrary parking fees

Residents of Kullu are voicing serious concerns over the steep and arbitrary parking fees being charged by various parking facilities across the town. Many of these parking lots operate without displaying officially approved rates, often demanding unjustified fees from unsuspecting visitors. A local resident highlighted the issue at Atal Sadan, where the parking contractor is reportedly imposing excessive charges. He emphasised that Atal Sadan includes a restaurant, auditorium, and 18 rooms, making it unreasonable to charge separate parking fees for restaurant guests.

The issue is not new. In December 2024, it was discovered that individuals had been collecting parking fees at the Atal Sadan parking lot without any official authorization. This unauthorized practice had continued for over a year, with visitors unknowingly paying for a space that was supposed to be free. The lack of regulatory oversight has allowed such malpractices to spread across Kullu.

Kamal, a senior resident, shared that he was charged a one-time parking fee of Rs 100 in Dhalpur. The parking slip had no printed rates and included handwritten overnight charges, with no mention of GST or taxes. This lack of transparency has left residents feeling cheated.

Rajesh, another local, reported being charged Rs 300 by a private parking lot in Dhalpur during the Dasehra festival. He described the experience as “sheer exploitation,” noting that even government or Municipal Council (MC) parking lots were operating without oversight, setting arbitrary fees.

Neha, a resident, compared the situation to Chandigarh, where prime locations like Sukhna Lake and PGI charge much lower parking fees—?14 and ?10 respectively. She recalled that until 2014, many parking lots in Kullu were free for residents, as the cost was covered under house taxes and other levies by the MC. She questioned why parking had turned into a profit-making venture at the residents’ expense.

Similar issues have been reported across Kullu, where unauthorized individuals exploit free parking spaces and collect large sums without accountability. The absence of a standardized parking policy in Himachal Pradesh has led to inconsistent charges and frequent disputes, especially affecting tourists.

To resolve these problems, it is essential for the Kullu MC to introduce and enforce a transparent parking policy. This should include clearly displayed rates, uniform charges across locations, and penalties for unauthorized fee collection. Such steps would protect both residents and visitors, restoring fairness and trust in the town’s parking system.

Himachal Tribune