Efforts to modernize the city’s parking system are set to begin in Sector-17 rather than across the entire city at once. The Municipal Corporation is preparing to upgrade all parking facilities in Sector-17 with smart parking solutions as a pilot project.
A proposal to outsource parking operations to a private agency may be tabled at the upcoming meeting of the Municipal Corporation House. If the pilot project succeeds, parking facilities in other areas of the city, including Sector-34, will also be upgraded to smart parking in a phased manner.
Proposed features of the smart parking system include CCTV surveillance, improved monitoring of parking staff, the facility to book slots via an app, and advance information regarding the availability of parking spaces.
Additionally, a system for time-based parking fees is envisaged. However, given that it is an election year, councilors from any political party are unlikely to agree to proposals for hiking parking fees or charging higher rates based on the duration of parking.
**Shortcomings revealed during official inspections**
The Municipal Corporation manages approximately 88 paid parking lots, currently operating them in-house. Recent inspections by officials revealed several deficiencies in parking operations.
Complaints have surfaced regarding the failure to regularly issue parking slips, as well as lapses in vehicle monitoring and fee collection. Consequently, operational costs remain high while the revenue generated for the Corporation remains relatively low.
**’MC One Pass’ fails to yield expected results**
In January, the Municipal Corporation launched the ‘MC One Pass’ initiative to link its parking lots through a single digital pass. Initially, the monthly pass was priced at ₹250 for two-wheelers and ₹500 for four-wheelers.
Subsequently, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual passes were introduced with discounted rates. Although a large number of vehicles use the city’s parking lots daily, the adoption of digital passes and the revenue generated have not matched the system’s potential. Plans are now underway to strengthen digital monitoring and fee collection through the smart parking initiative. Why Sector-17 Was Chosen
Sector-17 is the city’s primary commercial hub, and the area has long grappled with parking issues. It also experiences the highest volume of vehicles at any given time. Although a multi-level parking facility already exists there, it is not being utilized to its full capacity.
According to available data, the occupancy rate for four-wheeler parking stood at approximately 57–58% during April and May, while two-wheeler occupancy ranged between 42% and 48%. Given these figures, the decision to select Sector-17 for the smart parking pilot project is considered significant for the municipal corporation.
Proposal for Multi-level Parking
RITES’ Comprehensive Mobility Plan has identified eight locations across the city for multi-level parking facilities. Four of these sites are located within Sector-17 alone, while the others are in Sector-34, Sector-43, and IT Park Phase-1. Multi-level parking facilities will be constructed at one or two of these sites following approval from the administration.
