Preneeta Sharma
Shimla | February 2, 2026
The serious allegations of overcharging have emerged over the domestic parking facility at Aggarwal Dharamshala Parking in the Bharari area of Shimla. Residents allege that the contractor is charging parking fees far in excess of the rates approved by the Municipal Corporation (MC) Shimla. They further claim that such overcharging is not limited to this location alone, but is prevalent across several parking facilities in the city.
According to locals, the domestic parking site—operating under an MC tender—has allegedly been charging nearly double the prescribed domestic parking rates. Residents claim that additional money is being demanded annually under the pretext of providing “security,” despite no official revision in rates by the Municipal Corporation.
The official MC parking tender document (Auction 2025) clearly specifies approved parking charges and strict conditions for contractors. As per the rate list mentioned in the tender document (Page 3), the monthly domestic parking fee is fixed at ₹600 for small cars, ₹800 for big cars, and ₹300 for two-wheelers . Residents allege that the amounts being collected on the ground are significantly higher than these notified rates.
The tender conditions also contain strict action provisions. As per Clause 19 (Page 4) of the document, if a contractor is found overcharging beyond the approved rates, a warning notice is to be issued upon the first complaint. If the complaint is proven, a fine of ₹20,000 can be imposed. Repeated violations can lead to cancellation of the contract and even blacklisting of the contractor.
Despite these clear guidelines, residents claim that no visible inspection or enforcement action has been carried out so far.
One local resident, requesting anonymity, expressed strong dissatisfaction: “The amount we are paying annually for domestic parking is even more than what many of us pay for car insurance. This is unfair and completely unjustified.”
Residents have demanded an immediate inquiry into the matter, verification of the tender conditions, and strict action against those found guilty of overcharging. They have also urged the Municipal Corporation to ensure that approved parking rates are prominently displayed at all parking sites, as mandated in the tender conditions.
Responding to the issue, MC Commissioner Bhupender Attri stated that the matter will be inspected. He assured that a proper inquiry will be conducted and strict action will be taken against the contractor if any irregularities or overcharging are found.
The assurances echo a similar approach taken in neighboring Chandigarh, where the Municipal Commissioner has ordered regular inspections of paid parking sites to ensure transparency, accountability, and commuter convenience. In Chandigarh, officials have been instructed to carry out frequent field visits and surprise checks, with immediate action planned against any irregularities detected during these inspections to curb malpractices and strengthen compliance with parking norms.
