BMC's Robotic Parking projects in Mumbai face roadblocks; looks for alternatives

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is grappling with challenges in its pursuit of multi-level robotic parking facilities across Mumbai, with several of its projects now stalled or cancelled.

Over the past six months, BMC has encountered many issues related to these parking systems. As per the official report, two robotic parking projects are currently stuck in the planning and construction phases, while a third has been abandoned after the contractor's agreement was terminated. Read on for more details:

• A 17-storey robotic parking facility in Mumbadevi was estimated to cost ₹122 crore. The project, expected to accommodate 600 vehicles, was issued a stop-work notice by BMC in 2024 following directives from the state government.

• A second project, a 23-storey facility near Matunga (East) Railway Station, with an estimated cost of ₹126 crore and intended to house over 700 vehicles, also faced significant pushback from local residents. As a result, the tenders for this project were scrapped just last week.

These robotic parking systems were designed to save space by utilising vertical structures, with robotic arms and parking platforms. However, both projects faced strong resistance from citizens. In Mumbadevi, the plot was originally designated for public parking under the BMC's Development Plan 2034. However, with the project in limbo, officials fear that restarting construction will lead to cost escalation.

Meanwhile, BMC officials emphasise that the focus has now shifted towards exploring alternative measures.