Like a crowded bazaar finally learning to breathe, Malleswaram’s streets are preparing for a more orderly rhythm.
Parking Gets a Price Tag
Bengaluru’s Malleswaram, one of the city’s most vibrant shopping districts and a long-time victim of roadside parking chaos, is set for a significant change.
To tackle chronic congestion, the West Zone of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) plans to roll out a pay-and-park system across seven busy commercial roads. Once implemented, cars, scooters and bikes will no longer park for free, with structured hourly fees and daily passes replacing the current free-for-all.
The civic body has floated a tender to introduce paid parking facilities on Sampige Road, 18th Road, 15th Road, 11th Road, 8th Road, 4th Road and 2nd Main Road. These streets see intense footfall and vehicular movement, particularly during peak shopping hours, when poorly regulated parking often leads to severe traffic bottlenecks. Officials believe that regulated parking will help restore smoother traffic flow and reduce unnecessary delays.
Under the proposed system, cars will be charged Rs. 30 per hour, while two-wheelers will pay Rs. 15 per hour. In addition to hourly charges, GBA plans to offer daily parking passes aimed at frequent visitors, local traders and businesses, ensuring convenience without encouraging long-term street parking.
Taming Congestion in a Commercial Hotspot
Malleswaram’s busy markets and dense commercial activity attract shoppers from across Bengaluru, but vehicles parked for extended periods along narrow roads frequently choke movement. Authorities say the pay-and-park model is designed to discourage prolonged roadside parking, promote turnover of parking spaces and bring greater discipline to how vehicles occupy public roads.
Once the tender process is completed, the new system is expected to be rolled out in phases. Civic officials are hopeful that the initiative will not only reduce congestion but also improve accessibility for commuters, pedestrians and emergency vehicles navigating the area.
If successful, the model could serve as a blueprint for managing parking in other congested commercial zones across the city, balancing convenience with the need for smoother urban mobility.
When parking finds its price, the streets may finally find their pace.
Summary
Bengaluru’s GBA plans to introduce a pay-and-park system on seven major roads in Malleswaram to ease traffic congestion caused by roadside parking. Cars will be charged Rs. 30 per hour and two-wheelers Rs. 15, with daily passes for regular users. Officials expect the move to regulate parking and improve traffic flow.
