The state government is set to introduce a one-side parking system on major roads across Kolkata as part of a broader initiative to reduce traffic congestion and modernise parking management. The new system will be supported by a digital platform that will enable parking slot monitoring, advance booking and online fee payments through mobile applications. The move comes amid scrutiny over an alleged illegal parking network that is reportedly operating across the city without generating revenue for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) or the state government.
According to the available information, nearly 4,000 illegal parking sites are currently operating in Kolkata. Investigators are examining allegations that these parking operations have caused substantial financial losses to the KMC over the years. Records indicate that parking management in the city was entrusted to 11 registered co-operative societies, including Park Street Co-operative, Jubilee Co-operative, Gariahat Co-operative, Progressive Co-operative, Pioneer Co-operative, Burrabazar Co-operative, Lake Market Co-operative, Swastik Co-operative, Free Car Parking Co-operative, United Co-operative and Western Free Co-operative. Parking operations were managed through these co-operatives before changes were introduced to the allocation process after 2016.
It has been alleged that following the change in the parking allocation system, local strongmen linked to the previous administration gained control of parking operations through the tender process. According to the allegations, agencies initially deposited the required revenue with the KMC for the first few months but later stopped making payments. When contracts were cancelled or agencies were blacklisted due to outstanding dues, new companies or syndicates allegedly secured fresh tenders under different names and documents. Investigators are examining these allegations as part of the ongoing scrutiny into the city's parking management system.