Mumbai's first robotic car parking facility at Breach Candy, 20-storey-high and designed to house 240 vehicles, has been unexpectedly shut down. Its operations were suspended on November 15 due to BMC's failure to settle ₹80 lakh in outstanding payments to the contractor, for the past 7-8 months.

Built by Akruti Builders and handed over to BMC in 2015, the facility faced initial technical challenges, including malfunctioning robotic arms and leakage issues. After years of repairs, it was finally inaugurated in June 2021 and quickly gained popularity among residents, serving around 80 cars on weekdays and up to 200 cars on weekends.

However, the contractor, Sotefin Parking Pvt Ltd, suspended operations on November 15 after the BMC failed to clear outstanding dues of ₹80 lakh for the past seven to eight months. The closure has left users disappointed, particularly those who relied on the high-tech parking solution to avoid congestion on the narrow Bhulabhai Desai Road.

With monthly passes costing ₹4,400 and hourly rates at ₹70, the facility had become a sought-after parking option in the busy Breach Candy area. The BMC's roads and traffic department has acknowledged the situation and is working to resolve the contract dispute.