PANAJI
The North Goa Collectorate’s decision to implement the long-pending fourth phase of pay parking in Panaji has sparked a wave of public outrage, with residents slamming it as a “money-making racket” disguised as urban development under the Smart City initiative.
“Nightmare for owners of cars! After payments of heavy road tax, unfit for travelling, petrol taxes (and) now parking, should have a limit. Looters may not mind payments, but the middle class has to pay heavy taxes along with senior citizens,” said Nonath Gomes, reacting sharply to the move.
The fourth phase covers Miramar and St Inez where two-wheelers will be charged Rs 4 for up to four hours, Rs 8 for up to 12 hours, and Rs 15 for a full day. Four-wheelers will be charged Rs 20 for the first hour and Rs 15 for every additional hour or part thereof.
People also drew comparisons with Europe’s parking systems, where a grace period is often offered. “In Europe, you'll get half an hour free parking so that people are allowed to complete quick jobs and leave without being charged. In Goa, if they can find a way to knock out money from a stone, they will do it,” Sleur Butler said, alleging Panaji plan as a “money making racket.”
Residents also warned that the new fees could deter people from visiting Panaji, particularly the public spots. “Now I have to pay every week just to visit the Maruti temple,” said Siddhesh Bhatkar.
The order on Wednesday came nearly a year after the parking zones were notified in August 2024. The poorly managed Smart City works from dug-up roads to prolonged delays under the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) have often come under public criticism with even parking concerns unresolved.
The public opinion also ranged from despair to sarcasm. “Panaji finished,” Sebastian Costa said, while Cajetan Vaz advised “Avoid Panaji” and echoing widespread anger online, Nav Kandolkar stated, “Loot loot.”
Some did support the idea of reducing traffic through pricing, but pointed out lack of accompanying reforms. “Paid parking is the right step to reduce car dependency,” said Alwyn Rodrigues adding, “But without digitisation and reliable public transport, this will only increase corruption and public harassment.”
The fourth phase builds on earlier rollouts in 2019, 2020, and January 2025. With a significant portion of the city now under paid parking, many believe Panaji is slowly becoming unaffordable and less accessible for ordinary residents.
