New SDMC policy aims to promote ‘smart parking’

NEW DELHI: From appbased lot booking system to pedestrian-friendly model parking zones, the civic body in south Delhi is ramping up its “smart parking” infrastructure while encouraging people to use public transport to reach markets.

A top official of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation said it has adopted a “community-led development policy” under which marketing associations and resident welfare associations (RWAS) are being engaged to come out with “win-win” initiatives.

“We have leveraged technology in booking parking lots and there is a mobile app for booking the facility. People in marketing areas don’t get a paper slip, but a notification on phone when they book it. Also, people can pre-book a slot like a seat in a movie theatre,” said Prem Shankar Jha, Deputy Commissioner, RP Cell at SDMC.

He said several rounds of discussions have been held with representatives of marketing associations and RWAS to encourage them to contribute towards making markets a decongested and pedestrianfriendly as possible.

“And, results have been very positive. A free e-rickshaw service has been started recently by the Central Market Association of Lajpat Nagar for providing last-mile connectivity for shoppers who are coming to the place via metro,” he said.

Ten e-rickshaws are currently being used and it also helps decongest the place, which makes shopping a more pleasant experience.

“In all great cities, be it London, Paris, Berlin, Shanghai, streets in market areas are kept either pedestrianised or as much traffic-free as possible. Shopping experience is enhanced if less cars are around and people can stroll around with period furniture installed to aesthetically enhance the look-and-feel of the place,” Jha said.incidentally, SDMC is the nodal agency engaged for the parking management area plan for the Capital.