Ranchi: For commuters in Ranchi, parking often comes with an unwelcome surprise — a fee even for brief stops and different rates for similar durations. Despite Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) rules allowing the first 10 minutes of parking free at designated stands, many motorists said they were unaware of the provision because fee details were either missing or poorly displayed.RMC has 54 parking zones across the city, but signage showing the approved rates, the free period rule and details of authorised contractors was not visible at several locations.“I have parked here several times, but I have never seen a board showing the parking charges or the 10-minute free rule. I usually ask the person collecting the money how much I have to pay. I did not know that the first 10 minutes were free,” said Jagadish Kumar, a commuter at a mall’s parking area in Lalpur.At Birsa Munda Samadhi Sthal and GEL Church Complex, parking signage boards were not visible. Near a popular garments store and the mall, boards were either hidden or not prominently placed, making it difficult for commuters to identify authorised parking areas, check the applicable rates or confirm whether they were within the free period.RMC’s provisions require parking contractors to prominently display their name, phone number and other details at the site. Parking staff must also carry identity cards, while CCTV cameras are to be installed at parking locations in the coming period. The corporation has also directed contractors to clearly demarcate the parking areas.Additional municipal commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the rules applied uniformly across the city and warned of action against violations. “RMC will carry out a crackdown. The compliance rule is the same for everyone, and people should stick to it,” he said.The confusion also extends to roadside parking. An unnamed challan collector near the Lalpur mall said vehicles parked outside marked areas could also be fined. “If roadside parking happens too, a challan will be issued; that is the rule,” he said.Transport minister Deepak Birua, meanwhile, urged people to report improper parking on roads. “If there is wrong parking on any road in any district, share it with me. This system will now be improved and I will personally look into the matter,” he posted on X.