Nine high-footfall metro stations in Bengaluru to soon get organised parking

Metro commuters in Bengaluru, long plagued by inadequate and poorly managed parking facilities at several stations, may soon find some relief. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has invited bids to award licences for operating parking facilities at nine Namma Metro stations across Reaches 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the network.

The move comes amid mounting commuter complaints over the lack of designated parking spaces, which has forced many riders to leave their vehicles on adjoining roads and in nearby residential neighbourhoods, often leading to congestion and disputes with residents. Officials said that the decision to improve parking facilities at select high-footfall stations is part of BMRCL’s broader effort to streamline commuter amenities while boosting non-fare revenue.

According to BMRCL officials, the tender proposes licensing the parking facilities for a period of one year. The stations covered under the tender are Mysuru Road (Main), Madavara (Station 2), Peenya Industry, J.P. Nagar, Baiyappanahalli (Outer Ring Road side), Ragi Gudda, BTM Layout, Electronic City–01, and Jayadeva Hospital. “These stations serve some of Bengaluru’s busiest residential, industrial and institutional corridors and witness heavy daily commuter movement,” the official said.

Parking woes

Parking woes around metro stations have been a growing concern as the network expands. In a report published on December 14, 2025, The Hindu highlighted how limited or non-existent designated parking at many stations has compelled commuters to occupy surrounding streets. With metro ridership now averaging around 10 lakh passengers a day, the competition for space has become a routine challenge for both commuters and residents.

Among the nine stations, Mysuru Road Metro station has the largest parking facility, covering approximately 10,000 sq. m. It can accommodate over 1,100 two-wheelers, around 240 cars, and a limited number of commercial vehicles. In contrast, smaller stations such as Ragi Gudda have parking areas of about 495 sq. m, while Peenya Industry station offers around 2,480 sq. metres. The tender document notes that the exact mix of two-wheeler and four-wheeler slots may be adjusted by the licensee based on demand.

Parking charges

A BMRCL official said, “The parking facilities will be operated strictly on an ‘as is where is’ basis. However, contractors will be responsible for installing lighting, CCTV cameras, ticketing systems, signage, fire safety equipment, and e-surveillance systems, without any financial liability to BMRCL. Issuance of computerised parking tickets displaying entry and exit times has been made mandatory, and all staff deployed at the facilities must undergo police verification”.

Parking charges have been standardised across the nine stations. Two-wheelers will be charged ₹15 for the first four hours and ₹30 for a full day, while cars will be charged ₹30 for four hours and ₹60 per day. Bicycle parking will remain free, with at least 10 bicycle slots to be provided at each station.

BMRCL officials said that the parking facilities are primarily meant for metro commuters, though limited access may be extended to the general public depending on space availability. Night parking after metro service hours has been explicitly prohibited.

Across its 96-km network, BMRCL currently provides parking facilities at only 66 of its 83 stations, accommodating roughly 12,000 two-wheelers and 2,300 cars.