SMC issues notice relating to over charging of parking fee 

The Commissioner of Shimla Municipal Corporation has issued notice to the concerned officers to take cognizance on over charging of fee at Parking Complex near Lift Shimla on PPP mode. In a letter addressed to Parmod Kumar Sood (Director), Shimla Tolls & Projects Pvt. Ltd. , Keonthal Complex , Khalini , Shimla – 02, the Commissioner of Shimla MC said that parking Complex near Lift Shimla is over charging as a newspaper as reported on March 26, 2023 that a vehicle was charged a parking fee of Rs. 200 per vehicle for a time interval of 57 minutes only which is disproportionately high and totally unreasonable. SMC already communicated to the concerned officers on July 24, 2017 the maximum parking fee including GST for a vehicle for a parking interval of 2 hours is only Rs . 35/- whereas the vehicle was charged Rs. 200/- for just 57 minutes.

” This has not only tarnished the image of MC Shimla but has also given a wrong message to the tourists who visit the capital with great enthusiasm and spirit. Our state economy is highly dependent on tourism and such practices affect the interest of the state adversely. ”The Commissioner said, directing in this notice to refund the extra amount to the concerned person immediately and also explain as to why such an illegal act was done by you or your manager.

SMC also directed the parking operator to display the rate list on the conspicuous place at the main entry gate of the top floor. The warning also issued to the parking operators that if such illegal practices are not stopped immediately stringent action should be taken against it. The matter is mentioned urgent and information has also been sent to SHO Sadar to take the cognizance of the matter further.