December 11, 2025: The Maharashtra government is examining a proposal that could make dedicated two-wheeler parking compulsory in all new buildings and redevelopment projects, addressing a long-standing gap in the Development Control Regulations (DCR). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that motorcycles and scooters have increasingly occupied streets and lanes because earlier urban planning norms did not account for their parking needs.
Speaking in the legislative council, Fadnavis said the oversight became particularly clear during the redevelopment of the BDD chawls. “I will ask the Urban Development Department and the BMC to examine how this issue can be incorporated into the DCR,” he said. While the existing DCR specifies minimum parking requirements for new developments, most provisions focus on four-wheeler spaces, leaving a significant shortfall for two-wheeler users in dense neighbourhoods.
The discussion arose during a debate on traffic police fines issued to two-wheeler owners forced to park on roads due to lack of designated spaces. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab urged the government to create a viable policy for residents who face persistent parking shortages in their buildings and localities.
Responding to concerns from Sena UBT members, Fadnavis said the government recognises the scale of the problem and is committed to finding a workable solution. He noted that incorporating two-wheeler parking norms into redevelopment rules could ease street congestion and reduce conflicts over roadside parking.
If implemented, the move would reshape planning standards across Mumbai and other urban centres in the state, ensuring that two-wheeler parking—used by a large share of daily commuters—is formally integrated into building design. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the Urban Development Department and the BMC before further action is taken.
Source: Mid-day
