Mysuru – Parking for vehicles of tourists visiting the Mysore Palace has been streamlined for a hassle-free parking and to prevent fleecing by the parking contractor. The Mysore Palace Board has taken over the parking lot near the Varaha Gate and has been operating the e-counter since the last two days.

Acting on complaints of glitches in the parking management, the Palace Board had decided to establish a convenient and streamlined parking facility. The new parking system is on the model of those in malls where a computerised slip is generated with the vehicle number and time of parking.

Four electronic units each having 10×10 measurement have been set up by the Nirmithi Kendra at a cost of Rs. 33 lakh near Varaha Gate. Though the gates and the e-system were inaugurated sometime back, it was not operational as the parking contractor had approached the Court.

The contractor, who had been given the responsibility of running and maintaining the parking lot, had not paid money to the Palace Board and instead had approached the court seeking an extension. The court had ruled in favour of the Palace Board and had asked the contractor to either pay up or vacate the place.

Soon after the court order, Palace Board officials took over the parking maintenance and operations. Board officials said that CCTV cameras will be installed at all the four units for monitoring. Two more gates have been constructed as additional parking facility, which will be used in the event of extra rush especially during Dasara.

Parking rates: Parking fee will be different for different vehicle type. The parking fee for cars and maxi cabs has been fixed at Rs. 30 per hour and Rs. 10 for every extra hour. For buses, the hourly fee is Rs. 60 and Rs. 20 for every extra hour.

Likewise, the parking fee for two-wheelers is Rs. 10 and Rs. 5 after an hour; for autorickshaws it is Rs. 15 and Rs. 5 for extra time; for mini buses it is  Rs. 40 and Rs. 15 for extra time, and for cycles – Rs. 5 and Rs. 2 extra time.