Navi Mumbai Unveils New Parking Policy with Exemptions for LIG Colonies Amid Redevelopment Challenges

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has rolled out a revised parking policy to ensure adequate parking facilities in both residential and commercial properties across the city. This move aligns with a directive from the Bombay High Court, which mandated a reassessment of parking regulations following a petition by activist Sandeep Thakur.

The new policy specifies the number of parking spaces developers must allocate based on the size of residential units. Thakur welcomed the updated guidelines, stating they could make Navi Mumbai a leader in parking space availability compared to other Indian cities, but stressed that their success depends on strict enforcement.

In response to the High Court’s order, NMMC commissioner Kailas Shinde formed a committee of urban planning experts, led by Jitendra Bhopale, former joint director of the Konkan division. The revised regulations were drafted based on the committee’s recommendations.

Parking Guidelines Based on Home Size:

• Homes larger than 1,500 sq. ft.: Two four-wheeler spaces and one two-wheeler space, with an extra parking spot for every additional 500 sq. ft.
• Homes 800–1,500 sq. ft.: Two four-wheeler spaces and one two-wheeler space.
• Homes 600–800 sq. ft. (two homes): Three four-wheeler spaces and two two-wheeler spaces.
• Homes 400–600 sq. ft. (four homes): Five four-wheeler spaces and four two-wheeler spaces.
• Homes 300–400 sq. ft. (two homes): Two four-wheeler spaces and two two-wheeler spaces.
• Homes under 300 sq. ft.: One four-wheeler space and two two-wheeler spaces.

Additionally, 5% of all parking areas must be reserved for visitors, regardless of the property size.

Commissioner Shinde noted that the NMMC sought public input through a questionnaire while formulating the policy. “We received valuable feedback, and the finalized guidelines reflect the city’s specific needs and growing parking demand. We are now inviting suggestions and objections from residents before submitting the policy to the state government for final approval,” Shinde explained.

Exemption for LIG Colonies:

Residences in lower-income group (LIG) colonies developed by CIDCO are exempt from parking requirements during redevelopment. This change addresses challenges such as narrow roads and limited space, which have stalled redevelopment efforts for over 75,000 affected homes.

The exemption follows a 2016 High Court directive that required at least one parking space for units up to 45 sqm (built-up) or 35 sqm (carpet area). NMMC had filed a review petition, arguing that rigid parking mandates hindered redevelopment in these areas.

“Residents of LIG colonies deserve the right to redevelopment. Practical challenges necessitated changes to the rules,” Shinde explained.

However, Thakur cautioned against increasing the Floor Space Index (FSI) for LIG redevelopments, warning that additional FSI could lead to higher population density and greater parking demand. He emphasized the importance of balancing redevelopment with sustainable urban planning.