In a significant move to ease congestion and promote sustainable transport, the Tamil Nadu government has approved a comprehensive Parking Policy for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). Spanning 5,904 sq. km, the policy covers Chennai, Tambaram, Avadi, Kancheepuram, along with 12 municipalities, 13 town panchayats, 22 panchayat unions, and one special-grade town panchayat.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), aims to tackle the city’s mounting parking challenges, while encouraging public transport, cycling, and walking. CUMTA, chaired by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the policy across the CMA.
As part of its efforts, CUMTA has now developed a comprehensive parking policy for the region, according to a document. “Parking management is key to optimising road space. This policy is a step towards smoother traffic flow and the promotion of sustainable transportation modes, to ensure the limited road space is efficiently used by all road users,” said Jeyakumar I, IRTS Member Secretary of CUMTA.
The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India provided technical support in drafting the policy, in collaboration with Urban Local Bodies, the Police Department, Road Owning Agencies, and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).
The shift from free to paid parking will not only streamline parking management, but also encourage more sustainable transport options like public transit, walking, and cycling,” said Aswathy Dilip, Managing Director of ITDP India.
To ensure efficient execution, a dedicated Parking Management Unit (PMU) will be set up under CUMTA. Unlike other cities, where multiple agencies handle parking, Chennai’s PMU will act as the single authority overseeing parking regulations, pricing, service provider selection, and enforcement strategies.
With Chennai’s vehicle population nearing 9.2 million — almost equal to its human population — unregulated parking has led to congestion, inefficient use of public space, and pollution. The policy aims to shift the perception of parking from a free right to a paid urban service, similar to electricity or water supply.
The new parking policy aims to reduce traffic congestion by discouraging long-term parking and minimising the number of vehicles circling in search of spots. With parking fees in place, the revenue collected will be used to improve footpaths, cycle tracks, and other public amenities, making the city more walkable and liveable. Higher on-street parking rates will encourage people to use off-street parking lots, carpool, or opt for public transport, promoting more sustainable travel choices. The policy emphasises fair application of parking fees to ensure efficient use of public road space for all, it pointed out.
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