BMC admits poor use of public parking lots, promises ‘Smart Parking’ app with real-time data and FASTag payments; says chatbot fix hasn’t worked, traffic cops will keep issuing fines
BMC Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. File Pic/Kirit Surve Parade
Speaking to mid-day about streamlining the use of Public Parking Lots (PPLs) in Mumbai, BMC Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said, “It is a fact that PPLs are not being utilised effectively. On average, they operate at a maximum of 70 per cent capacity. This is a generalised figure, many PPLs may be functioning at even lower capacities. We have received complaints regarding safety issues, lack of signages, inconsistent accessibility, and poor last-mile connectivity. These are challenges that need to be addressed on multiple levels.”
He added, “We are currently in the tendering stage for a new application themed ‘Smart Parking’. This platform will map all parking spaces across the city, provide real-time data on available spots, and incorporate FASTag-based payment. Such a payment system will help address complaints of overcharging or fund misuse.”
Commenting on why the earlier Mumbai Parking Authority module, part of the My BMC mobile application and similar in concept to ‘Smart Parking’, did not take off, Bangar said:
“One reason was a lack of continuity in planning. We now need to assess where the previous initiative was left off, and build from there.”
In response to citizen requests for a helpline to address parking issues, Bangar noted, “Helplines are labour-intensive and incur higher costs. In such cases, automated chatbots are a better solution, as they don’t require backend staff. In fact, many commercial booking platforms offer discounts to users who opt for chatbot bookings over calling helpline numbers. That said, the BMC’s past attempts to implement chatbot-based solutions haven’t been as successful as we had hoped.”
On whether the BMC should take over the responsibility of levying fines for unauthorised street parking, Bangar clarified, “Ideally, the task of issuing fines for unauthorised parking should continue to rest with the traffic police. They have fine-tuned this process over the years through experience and trial-and-error methods to ensure better enforcement.”
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