Poor monitoring by authorities makes city parking lots a dreaded zone
It’s a typical weekday in Guwahati. As vehicles crowd the main roads and bylanes, a common urban hassle quietly snowballs into a major frustration—finding a place to park. But for many, the trouble doesn’t end once they have slotted their car or bike in a lot. That is where a new ordeal begins: unfair charges, missing receipts, rude attendants, and in some cases, outright intimidation.
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In one of the busiest zones of the city, near the commercial belt of Six Mile, Dhanjit Deka faced exactly that on April 4. “I parked my two-wheeler for just half an hour. When I went to pay, they said I had parked for five hours and asked for ₹20. I knew the rules—it should have been just ₹5. But when I asked for a receipt and mentioned GMC rates, they started arguing and behaving aggressively. I felt genuinely unsafe,” Deka told GPlus.
Parking rates in Guwahati are clearly defined under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) rules: ₹5 for up to two hours for two-wheelers and ₹10 for four-wheelers. Yet many attendants charge beyond the set rates, refuse to issue receipts, and become hostile when confronted.
Similar complaints have emerged across the city.
Talking to GPlus, Priyakshi Sharma, a resident, recalled her experience on AT Road. “The boys managing the lot started yelling when I asked for a receipt. They were charging way above the standard rate. When I objected, they physically blocked my car from leaving. My parents were with me and I had to pay just to avoid creating a scene. It was deeply unsettling.”
In Fancy Bazaar, another commuter said, "I was charged ₹30 for parking just 30 minutes. I pointed to the GMC parking rate board and told them it should be ₹10, but they wouldn’t listen. They shouted and forced me to pay. It’s pure gundagiri."
In Lachit Ghat, a new twist adds another layer of concern. An official from a previous agency that managed the parking there revealed their contract expired two months ago. “But some local groups are still collecting parking money in our name. We suspect they are running it illegally and maybe offering a cut to someone in GMC. How else would they get away with this?” the official asked.
The problem doesn’t end with the individual incidents. It runs deeper and points to systemic gaps in enforcement. Several of these lots lack any proper signage of rates or rules. In many areas, no receipt system is followed. In some cases, vehicles are stopped from leaving if drivers question the rates.
GMC officials confirmed that there are currently 46 designated parking lots under their supervision, down from 52. “Some lots were removed after the traffic police flagged issues,” a senior GMC official said.
Admitting to the lapses, the official added, “Yes, some contractors are overcharging and not issuing receipts. But sometimes the public also refuses to cooperate. We can act only when we receive formal complaints. Without written complaints and verification, we cannot cancel any lease.”
However, most residents say lodging formal complaints is not easy. Many feel too intimidated during the encounter and fear escalation. “We just want to pay the right amount and leave, not get into fights,” said a commuter from Ulubari.
Experts say this problem stems from poor monitoring.
Talking to GPlus, a former GMDA town planner said, "Rate boards are missing in many lots. There’s no system for issuing receipts or digital payments, and in many cases, no clarity on who is officially in charge. The lack of accountability invites both harassment and revenue loss."
Some also allege that expired contracts are being exploited by rogue elements who continue to collect fees illegally. There are no visible IDs on attendants, and often, no grievance redressal mechanism on the ground. In a few areas, locals claim that parking spaces are being run by youths with no legal backing.
Residents have even raised the issue with their local ward councillors, but say they receive vague assurances. “One councillor told me the problem would be looked into, but it’s been months. The same people are still collecting money illegally,” said a resident of Bharalumukh.
In places like Ulubari, Zoo Road, and Beltola, residents and shopkeepers alike say that the parking chaos has hurt local business. “Customers don’t want to deal with arguments and overcharging, so they avoid shopping here altogether,” said a trader from Zoo Road Tiniali.
When asked how residents should respond, the GMC official advised, “If anyone feels threatened or is overcharged, they should immediately file a complaint at the GMC office and the nearest police station. If we get proof, we will cancel the contract of the violator.”
But the ground reality remains unchanged. With no quick and accessible redressal system, residents say they are left on their own. For a growing city like Guwahati, these lapses raise serious questions about basic civic discipline.
The issue has even reached social media, with residents posting videos and stories online, tagging GMC and city officials. However, many of these posts go unacknowledged. “I uploaded a video showing the rates and how I was forced to pay extra. It got views, but no one from GMC ever contacted me,” said a resident.
While civic bodies urge people to report cases, many say the burden of proof shouldn’t fall solely on citizens. “It’s the GMC’s job to ensure compliance. Why should the public have to risk arguments and confrontations?” asked another resident.
“A mobile app listing all official parking lots, along with digital payment options, rate boards, and a quick complaint registration system, could go a long way. But there’s been little movement in this direction,” said a former GMDA Town planner.
Until stricter enforcement, transparent systems, and real accountability come into place, parking in Guwahati will continue to be more than just a mundane task—it will remain an everyday battle.
As the city expands and more vehicles hit the road, the question remains: can Guwahati ensure that its citizens are not bullied in the name of parking?
