KOLKATA: In the tony neighbourhoods of Loudon Street, Rawdon Street and Shakespeare Sarani, the names, Raju-da or Basu-da, should not ring a bell. But ask any parent of a child who studies in one of the schools in this belt and he or she will tell you they are among the most sought-after individuals on school days.
With traffic police announcing a prohibition on parking on Loudon Street, Rowdon Street, Robinson Street, Moira Street and Hungerford Street during school hours to ease traffic snarls, Raju-da, Basu-da and other such private parking agents-cum-valets have emerged as saviours for families that send cars to drop and pick up their children from school. These agents, most of whom are otherwise engaged as private security guards in nearby properties—some of them empty plots or under-development projects—who offer a “tension-free” parking space for parents desperate looking to leave their vehicles for 15-20 minutes during which they go to schools to pick up their wards before driving away with them.
With demand far outstripping supply, the rates are also astronomical: Rs 2,500-Rs 4,000 a month for only pick-up arrangements and Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000 a month for being parked after drop till pick-up. The rates are less for smaller cars and higher for bigger ones. The per hour parking charge for a vehicle is Rs 100.
An open space next to the Shakespeare Sarani police station is among such private parking lots that are being used for vehicles picking up schoolchildren. A TOI team found seven vehicles parked inside it on Tuesday. When TOI called Raju-da, he took the call but refused to entertain any queries. “I had a parking facility but the owner has now asked me to vacate the plot. Hence, I have discontinued the service. Parents are sending mails to Lalbazar. Discussions are on to try and find asolution,” said another “valet”, Raju Samanta.
An hour later, TOI received a call from another number with an offer to park cars at Rs 100 per hour. “You can leave the car with us and we will return the car to you at the same spot when you arrive with the student,” the caller said, referring to a spot near Simplex crossing.
A parent on condition of anonymity said the parking charges were less than half the current rate a month ago. “Earlier, you could get parking on Robinson Street and Moira Street. Now, Bhowanipore seems the closest one can drive to and wait for the school to get over to pick up students,” said a parent.
The East traffic guard and local cops claimed this was news to them. “If there is a complaint in this regard, we will investigate. But, prima facie, with no parking and no road space, there is little we can do unless someone decides to approach us,” said a local police officer.
