SDMC ramps up smart parking infrastructure

■ Civic body encourages people to use public transport to reach markets ◗ 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 pedestr

From app- based lot booking system to pedestrianfriendly model parking zones, the civic body in South Delhi is ramping up its smart parking infrastructure and encouraging people to use public transport to reach the markets.

A senior official of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation ( SDMC) said, it has adopted a ‘ communityled development policy’ under which marketing associations and resident welfare associations ( RWAs) are being engaged to come out with winwin 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 a senior South Delhi Municipal Corporation official.

According to him, 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 pedestrian- friendly 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 added.

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,” he said.

Many traders initially used to think that more cars near their shops meant more business, but it is the other way around, as harried shoppers would not spend much time in the market, he said.

According to the plan, civic bodies in Delhi will levy one- third charges for multi- level parking facilities compared to surface parking rates, and parking within 25 meters from roundabouts and traffic intersections would be disallowed, among other measures.