Mumbai: In a major relief for Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all on-street parking payments in the city will soon be made through FASTag, eliminating the menace of fake parking attendants and manual cash transactions.
Under the new system, vehicle owners parking at designated BMC lots will have to scan a QR code linked to their vehicle’s FASTag account, through which the parking fee will be automatically deducted. The initiative aims to curb rampant overcharging, bribery and unauthorised parking agents who often fleece citizens under the guise of official parking staff.
“We’ve received numerous complaints from citizens about bogus parking attendants charging arbitrary fees. By switching to FASTag-based payment, we are bringing transparency, safety, and convenience to the parking experience,” a senior BMC official told Maharashtra Times.
The new digital parking model will first be rolled out at selected BMC-managed parking lots and later expanded citywide, covering over 100 official parking zones. A dedicated app will also be launched to help Mumbaikars locate available slots, check rates and get digital receipts for all transactions.
Currently, parking violations and extortion rackets have been a persistent problem across Mumbai, particularly in high-traffic areas like Dadar, Andheri, CST and Bandra, where illegal parking agents pose as civic staff.
Authorities believe this move will plug revenue leaks, improve compliance and reduce traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking practices.
With this shift, Mumbaikars can expect a more secure, cashless and scam-free parking experience powered by technology and accountability.
