Pune Metro Cancels Contractor’s Contract Over Exorbitant Parking Fees
Pune Metro Cancels Contractor's Contract Over Exorbitant Parking Fees
In a swift response to passenger complaints, Mahametro canceled the contract of a parking contractor at the District Court Metro Station on Monday, the very first day of paid parking services.
The controversy erupted when the contractor began charging double the agreed-upon fees, with two-wheelers being charged Rs. 15 per hour and cars Rs. 35 per hour, significantly higher than the stipulated rates. Passengers were shocked to find that the parking fees exceeded the minimum Metro ticket price.
Paid parking facilities are currently available at select Pune Metro stations, including Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Sant Tukaram nagar, Phugewadi, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, District Court, Ideal Colony, and Mangalwar Peth. The standard parking fees at these locations are Rs. 8 for one hour and Rs. 12 for two hours for two-wheelers, with an additional Rs. 5 for helmet storage.
According to Hemant Sonawane, Executive Director of Mahametro, “Paid parking facilities at Shivajinagar and District Court stations started on Monday. However, we noticed the contractor charging more than the fixed fee. We immediately stopped his collection of parking charges and canceled his contract.”
Mahametro’s prompt action demonstrates its commitment to ensuring affordable and convenient services for passengers. The organization will re-evaluate its parking contracts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The cancellation of the contract serves as a warning to contractors attempting to exploit passengers. Maha metro will continue to prioritize passenger needs and ensure transparency in its services.
