The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting recently launched the ‘MyParkings’ application that enables people to book parking slots online in areas under the jurisdiction of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC). MyParkings is an Internet of things (IoT) technology-enabled end-to-end digital solution and will be available for use on Android and iOS platforms, prepaid cards, and enabled smart QR codes.
According to a news report, the app aims to tackle traffic congestion and will provide, among other things, parking site information regarding the total capacity parking space, used spaces, and spaces available for parking. The app was developed by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), which is also the implementing agency for app-based smart parking systems in the SDMC jurisdiction. At the inauguration ceremony, the Minister noted that the MyParking app will smoothen the process of booking parking slots as a citizen can see the availability of slots remotely and can book the same. He claimed that smart parking solutions through an application or a card are an “effortless solution towards hassle-free parking” and booking online parking slots will enable people to park their vehicles without inconvenience.
The mobile app would provide an altogether new parking experience for the citizens of Delhi. The app is cashless and paperless and will save tonnes of paper (currently parking slips are issued on paper) on a daily basis, reducing environmental pollution, the Minister added. As per a government press release, the app will offer the following features:
- On-spot and advanced bookings for vehicle parking
- The flexibility of selecting slots through an easy-to-use interface
- Parking solutions enabled with prepaid/smart cards
- Paperless check-in and check-out of the vehicles
- Share parking for safety and recall
- A list of amenities, facilities, and parking locations
- Management of parking pass for daily/regular commuters
- Options for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Smart QR code scanning for slot booking, check-in, and check-out
- Automatic number plate recognition system
The SDMC operates 145 surface parking sites, six multi-level parking sites, and two automated parking sites. BECIL will bear the complete cost of the development and maintenance of the app and the capital cost of the server and its allied hardware and software. Furthermore, BECIL will set up and run a dedicated call centre for the citizens as a customer care unit to address their queries and issues related to the use of the app. The call centre will handle complaints and grievances. BECIL will charge a percentage of parking charges only to consumers using BECIL’s app and web and technology platforms for making payment of the parking charges.
The app will be integrated with FASTag, E-Challan, and other government initiatives. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India that employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to make toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion. It offers an interoperable nationwide toll payment solution, including clearinghouse services for settlement and dispute management. The e-challan is used by traffic authorities to issue fines and tickets, and payments can be made online.