KMC’s parking fee rule yet to come into implementation

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has prohibited commercial buildings and hospitals from imposing parking fees. This provision was introduced via the metropolitan city’s annual budget speech.

Under the new policy, business establishments must offer complimentary parking to customers using services within the same premises. According to this regulation, parking fees cannot be charged by hospitals, private markets, restaurants, or malls. Nabin Manandhar, spokesperson for the KMC, clarified that no charge will apply if individuals work in the same building or utilize stalls within it. However, a fee would be imposed if one is using the space merely for parking.

Rajani Khanal shared with ApEx her experience of being charged Rs 450 for 3 hours of parking at a multiplex to watch a movie. When she informed the parking staff about KMC charges and regulations, they showed here a printed announcement from the respective wards, suggesting these regulations didn't apply there. Effective implementation of this rule by the ward offices is crucial for its consistent application across the KMC. The disregard of the regulations by the ward offices is worrying.

In the past, business establishments were free to set parking charges on their own. These rates would often surpass KMC rates. Furthermore, hospitals were observed charging parking fees that exceeded their premises' designated costs by over four times. Despite local authorities' commitment to alleviate parking challenges in the valley, the problem is worsening due to the growing vehicle numbers and persistent traffic congestion. This especially impacts short-term parking, particularly for four-wheelers. Locating parking spaces in areas like Durbarmarg, New Road, Narayanchaur, Bagbazar, Balkhu, and Sorhakhutte has become nearly impossible.

 KMC has introduced differential rates depending on the location. Zone No. 1 encompasses areas like New Road, Dharmapath, Kantipath, Durbar Marg, inner urban areas, Tripureshwar, Ratnapark, Bhotahiti, Kesharmahal, Lainchaur, and other central Kathmandu locations. Similarly, areas beyond Zone No. 1 are designated as Zone No. 2. 

Here, parking fees are half the rates of Zone No. 1. People have to pay Rs 15 per hour for two-wheelers, Rs 40 per hour for four-wheelers, and Rs 100 per hour for larger vehicles in Zone No. 2. However, parking attendants are charging arbitrary rates and also showing reluctance to provide receipts after payment. The neighboring Lalitpur Metropolitan City has implemented the parking fee policy within its jurisdiction. Therefore, Kathmandu Metropolitan City should collaborate with ward offices to address these issues.