Bldg basements to house more vehicles, ease parking woes

Mumbai: In an attempt to avoid occupancy of roadside spaces by cars, the state has decided to allow developers to use 100% of basement area in an upcoming building for parking. At present, only 50% of the basement area can be used for parking. Also, buildings can have multiple levels for parking as against the existing one or two levels. 

    In order to create more parking space, the government is set to change rules under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act and will soon invite public suggestions and objections before implementing the plan. 
    While the civic body has already changed its rules under the MRTP Act, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will soon follow suit. 
    "With the basement area being freed of floor space index, more developers would like to build multiple parking slots in upcoming projects. The changes may also be applied in case of buildings going for redevelopment. But the chances of existing structures creating more space for parking in their basements are slim," said a senior state government official. 
    The MMRDA has sought tenders, inviting contractors to maintain 1,600 parking spaces, including 1,100 for four-wheelers and 170 for buses, in BKC. Sources said the changes under the MRTP Act would double the parking space in BKC. "Many buildings have scope for expansion," said a source. 
DRIVING CHANGE 
    The state will allow developers to use 100% of basement area in an upcoming building for parking. At present, only 50% of the basement area can be used 
    Buildings will be allowed to have multiple levels for parking as against existing one or two levels The 5% premium paid by developers on basement 
parking has been waived off