Pune: PMC to Revive Idle JM Road Parking Facility with Upgrades for SUVs and EVs
If you’ve ever driven down Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road in Pune, you’ve felt the pain: circling for a spot, dealing with traffic snarls, and the constant worry of a parking ticket. For years, a potential solution has been sitting right there, unused, a multi-storey mechanical parking tower near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Udyan.
Well, good news is finally here. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to revive the long-defunct JM Road parking facility. This isn’t just a simple reopening; it’s a full modernization project designed to meet today’s needs.
The facility, originally built in 2007, has been completely idle since 2017. Despite its prime location, it failed to attract drivers who found it easier (and free) to park on the roadside. This new initiative is part of PMC’s broader push to implement a structured “pay and park” policy across the city to finally tackle Pune’s infamous parking woes.
So, what’s changing? The PMC, partnering with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), is giving the JM Road parking facility a significant upgrade. The mechanics will be repaired and modernized to accommodate today’s larger vehicles, including SUVs. Furthermore, in a forward-thinking move, the plan includes installing Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, making it a future-proof solution for eco-conscious drivers.
A Delhi-based contractor who originally built the structure is inspecting it and will soon submit a proposal for the necessary repairs. Once operational, the facility will be managed on an 80-20 revenue sharing basis between PMC and Maha-Metro.
The revival of the JM Road parking facility is a key part of the civic body’s pilot project for paid parking, which also includes proposed zones on FC Road, Laxmi Road, and in areas like Vimannagar and Bibwewadi. For residents and visitors alike, the return of this facility promises a much-needed, modern option to escape the endless search for a parking spot on one of Pune’s busiest streets.
