The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is likely to impose parking restrictions in narrow lanes across densely populated areas to improve emergency access, as per news reports.

The move follows concerns that illegal and haphazard parking is obstructing fire engines and ambulances, particularly in high-density localities. Implementation is expected soon.

Industry experts have emphasised the need for long-term, infrastructure-driven solutions to address the issue.

Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “Illegal parking is not merely a compliance issue; it reflects the structural gap between the rapid growth in vehicle ownership and the limited parking infrastructure available in our cities. As urban centres continue to densify, there is a pressing need to integrate well-planned and technologically enabled parking solutions within city planning as well as new real estate developments. Adequate parking infrastructure will play a crucial role in ensuring smoother traffic flow and improving overall urban mobility.”

Ashish Majithia, Founder & CEO, Nextkraft Parking Technologies, said, “Mumbai’s parking crisis, especially in older and congested localities, underscores the need for innovative approaches such as automated and multi-level parking systems. Automated or Mechanised parking should be installed at every public parking spot which can at least double, and in many cases significantly increase the existing numbers and reduce on-street parking dependency, and ensure that critical access routes remain unobstructed. Alongside regulatory measures, adopting vertical parking infrastructure will be key to building safer and more efficient cities.”

Areas such as Chandanwadi, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Gaondevi, Tardeo, Mumbai Central, Nagpada, Agripada and Byculla together account for over 240 narrow lanes, with 35–40 lanes allowing only a single vehicle at a time. Vehicles parked on both sides have been identified as a key bottleneck during emergencies.

The issue is acute in commercial hubs like Kalbadevi and Zaveri Bazaar, where heavy vehicular movement adds to congestion. Limited accessibility in such areas raises risks during fire and medical emergencies.

Proposed measures include odd-even parking rules in select lanes and complete no-parking zones in others, with strict enforcement against violations. However, limited alternative parking infrastructure remains a concern for residents and businesses.

As vehicle ownership rises and urban space remains constrained, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on both enforcement and the creation of sustainable parking infrastructure.