India, May 26 -- Following a sting operation that exposed a parking racket in the Kala Ghoda area and whistleblower complaints regarding the mafia controlling nearly 60% of the pay-and-park facilities across the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided not to renew contracts with 24 private parking contractors in the A ward, which covers key areas in south Mumbai.

Instead, the civic body will allow free parking in at least 10 of the 24 locations in the ward once existing parking contracts expire. The move is aimed at restoring public trust and curbing the rampant practice of parking operators charging exorbitant fees or collecting money without authorisation.

Among the areas where parking has been made free are Jam...