Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation has terminated its contract with Texco, a private firm managing on-street parking across the city, following widespread complaints of exorbitant fees and rude behavior by its staff. The decision comes after residents reported being charged up to ₹30 per hour for two-wheelers—six times the official rate of Rs 5 per hour—along with allegations of improper receipts and aggressive conduct.
Velachery resident Mohanasundaram highlighted the issue, stating, “The overcharging was shocking. The attendants demanded Rs 30 instead of Rs 5 and often spoke harshly when questioned.” Similar grievances poured in from other areas, prompting the civic body to not renew Texco’s contract, which expired recently.
As of now, parking on Chennai’s major roads is free until further notice. The corporation has warned that if anyone illegally collects fees, citizens should immediately report it via the helpline 1913 or through the civic body’s social media channels.
Chennai to Introduce Automated Parking System Under CUMTA Model
Moving forward, the Chennai Corporation plans to adopt a tech-driven parking system modelled after the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA). The new approach will use AI-powered cameras to scan vehicle number plates, guide drivers to available slots, and calculate fees based on parking duration—payable online.
Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran confirmed the shift, citing Texco’s malpractices, including double-charging and fund mismanagement. “To prevent such irregularities, we discontinued the contract and are exploring transparent, automated solutions,” he said.
The CUMTA trial, featuring sensor-based parking, has already received council approval. Once implemented, it aims to eliminate harassment, reduce corruption, and streamline payments—offering relief to both motorists and authorities.