New Delhi: Aiming to boost its parking facilities across Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is planning to expand its on-road parking lots. This is in addition to identifying new sites and exploring options for stack parking in prominent markets such as Khan Market and Maharishi Raman Marg.
NDMC has also decided to implement operational improvements, including the introduction of FASTag technology, to enhance the efficiency of its parking facilities before assigning the contract for all parking lots to a new concessionaire.
"We currently have 150 surface, on-road and multi-level parking lots under our jurisdiction. There is a target to increase this number to 175 lots by identifying more sites and regularising on-road parking sites after taking permission from other agencies, if required," said NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal.
As of now, NDMC has space for 9,025 four-wheelers, 4,374 two-wheelers, and 123 buses at its parking lots. The proposed plan includes enhancing the space up to 11,000 for four-wheelers, 5,000 for two-wheelers, and 200 for buses. This will be achieved by expanding existing facilities and creating new parking spaces in high-demand areas such as Tolstoy Marg, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market, Connaught Place and Rajesh Pilot Marg.
"This initiative is part of a larger effort to integrate modern, technology-driven solutions in line with promoting transparency and efficiency in public services," said Chahal.
NDMC will also offer discounts for digital payments at parking facilities, replacing the traditional cash payment system. "The addition of FASTag will further simplify the process," said an official.
The contract for NDMC's 39 parking lots expired six years ago, and the agency has so far failed to hire another agency. This Aug, the contract for the remaining parking lots also expired, forcing NDMC to engage its own staff to run these facilities.
Before issuing a fresh tender, NDMC is conducting a survey, taking the help of a consultant to add new features in the contract to create a seamless, efficient and cost-effective parking experience for all. The plan includes the integration of sensor-based technology, real-time parking information via a mobile application, and a user-friendly, IT-enabled parking system.
"Automated monitoring and penalty enforcement in compliance with parking regulations, reducing carbon footprints and traffic congestion, and integration of these technologies with Integrated Command and Control Centre is part of the proposa," said Chahal.
The council is also working on the KG Marg multi-level parking to make it operational soon. The work is also in progress to develop a multi-level parking close to the upcoming Gole Market museum.