Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 9: Under the ambitious Mangaluru Smart City Project, the Kadri Park entry road has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. Now, plans are underway to introduce a toll system on this road to charge vehicles parked along the stretch. The initiative is expected to be implemented from January.
The newly constructed shops along Kadri Park Road have been tendered to Amar Infra Company under the O&M (Operation and Maintenance) model. The company will manage the shops, road, footpaths, and parking spaces. However, due to lower-than-expected revenue, an agreement has been proposed to introduce a toll-based parking system along both sides of the road to generate maintenance funds.
As part of the system, Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) cameras will be installed at two entry points of the park road instead of traditional barriers. These radar-based toll cameras will capture vehicle number plates and link them to the vehicle’s FASTag account. Vehicles exiting within five minutes of entry will not be charged, but those exceeding this time limit will be billed a minimum parking fee of Rs 50, automatically deducted from the owner’s account.
The road, extending from Padua to the Circuit House, has parking capacity for around 100 cars. Authorities are also considering issuing passes or alternate arrangements for local residents who frequently use the road.
Shopkeepers who had leased spaces under earlier tenders had expressed concern about limited business. Initially, shops near the Circuit House were leased at bids as high as Rs 1.2 lac, while others were leased for Rs 40,000–60,000. Due to low footfall, the terms have now been revised — shops from the Circuit House to Kadri Music Fountain will have a rent of Rs 20,000, Rs 5,000 maintenance cost, and a refundable deposit of Rs 2.5 lac. Lessees must operate the shops for at least two years. Similarly, for shops between Kadri Park entry and Padua, rent is set at Rs 15,000 with a Rs 5,000 maintenance fee and Rs 2.5 lac deposit.
According to Smart City general manager Arun Prabha, ANPR cameras will be installed at both Kadri Park entry points, and parking tolls will be collected through the FASTag system. The new toll-based parking system is expected to take effect from January 2026.