New Delhi, July 29 (IANS): Delhiites can heave a sigh of relief -- parking rates will remain unchanged. The rates were otherwise set for revision beginning Aug 1, an official said Monday.

"New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is not going to hike the parking charges now... the old rates will be applicable, as tenders have not been given to the contractors," NDMC spokesperson A.K. Mishra told IANS.

The official, however, refused to comment on the reasons for not getting a response from contractors, even though the last day for receiving responses was July 23.

The increased rate proposed by the NDMC is Rs.20 for the first hour, which would then rise by Rs.20 for each subsequent hour, with the maximum reaching up to Rs.100 for four-wheelers.

"India has the lowest parking rates in the world. If we are to follow the policies like in other nations, then there will directly be a hike of 60 percent in the rates, but we cannot do that," Mishra said.

The current fare is Rs.10 for the first hour, which then increases by Rs.10 for every subsequent hour.

Despite receiving directions from the government, the three municipal corporations in the city have refused to hike parking rates.

"It is a political decision, and we are not in favour of it. We do not want to put pressure on the public," said Y.S. Mann, spokesperson, East Delhi Municipal Corporation.

In March this year, the Delhi government had approved the proposal to increase the parking rate.