BBMP plans to launch smart parking on 10 CBD roads in a month.

Smart parking is going to be launched on 10 CBD roads in a month. BBMP planned to introduce the system on 85 roads with a particular emphasis on Central Business District (CBD). Initially, the facility is accessible on 10 roads.

The project is being implemented according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and includes the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The smart parking space will be available on 10 CBD-wide roads: MG Road, Church Street, St Marks Road, Residency Road, Museum Cross Road, Vittal Mallya Road, Kasturba Road, Bruton Road, Mallya Hospital Road and Main Guard Crossroad by the end of September.

“We have nearly completed work and will introduce the system in a month,” said N Manjunatha Prasad, BBMP Commissioner. Due to unfinished work, the pilot on Kasturba Road last year could not sustain.

The Managing Director of Central Parking System, N Sathyanarayanan, said this is a first-of-a-kind initiative across the country. “The parking spaces at each location will be 15-20 and will be based on the sensors,” he said.

“Display boards on the side of the road will provide information regarding the available slots on the street, preventing people from looking at parking and waiting for long hours,” he clarified.

A mobile app — Namma Bengaluru Parking App — is developed to help IOS and Android users find and reserve a vacant spot. “Those who are not technically skilled can always go on location and collect a receipt that allows the user to pay in cash or via card/UPI ID,” said Sathyanarayanan.

Parking costs vary between Rs 15 and Rs 30 for cars and Rs 5 and Rs 15 per hour for a bike. The amount shall vary from one area to another in which the city is classified.

The system enables a person to choose his/her parking hours. “If a motorist wishes to extend the time of the parking space, he/she can do this via the App. But if the person does not remove his/ her bike in time, a team of volunteers will arrive and lock onto the car immediately. The charges would be hefty,” said senior BBMP official.