| Primary value | 6.0 m |
| Applies to | Perpendicular (90°) parking layouts in basements / surface lots |
| Exceptions | 60° parking aisle → 5.0 m |
| 45° parking aisle → 4.0 m | |
| Parallel parking aisle → 3.6 m | |
| 30° parking aisle (NBC) → 3.0 m | |
| Parallel parking aisle (two-way traffic) → 6.0 m | |
| Local Development Control Regulations (DCR) → May specify different values; always verify with the local municipal authority. | |
| Measured as | Clear unobstructed aisle width between rows of parking bays. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — NBC 2016, Part 3, Table 5.7 ✓ Verified |
This minimum width is critical for ensuring a standard passenger car, common in India, can enter or exit a 90° bay in a single, fluid manoeuvre. Inadequate aisle space leads to multi-point turns, which significantly slows down traffic circulation in busy parking areas and increases the risk of minor collisions.
While 6.0 m is the code minimum, many commercial and residential projects provide 6.5 m to 7.0 m for user comfort, especially in premium developments. This extra width better accommodates larger SUVs and reduces driver anxiety, maintaining smoother traffic flow.