CHANDIGARH, 25 June — In a major step toward upgrading the city’s urban mobility framework, the Chandigarh Parking Committee has proposed the rollout of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Smart Parking Systems across 89 major locations. The ambitious plan was presented during a meeting chaired by Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, where councillors convened to discuss transformative solutions for Chandigarh’s mounting parking woes.
The proposed project, if implemented, will introduce AI-enabled parking management, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), real-time slot tracking, and dynamic pricing to city parking infrastructure. Officials say the aim is to not only ease traffic congestion but also deliver a streamlined, citizen-focused experience.
“We are aiming for a smart, sustainable, and inclusive solution to tackle Chandigarh’s growing traffic and parking problems,” Mayor Babla said after the meeting. “With this proposal, we are aligning with the city’s broader vision of modern governance and smarter infrastructure.”
The Smart Parking initiative promises a range of high-tech features designed to enhance convenience for city residents. In addition to ANPR and AI-based monitoring, the system will allow for real-time updates on parking availability, demand-based slot allocation, and advance booking via mobile applications.
“Technology will empower citizens to make informed decisions—whether that means checking space availability from their phones or pre-booking a spot during peak hours,” said an official from the engineering department involved in the planning.
Dynamic pricing is also being introduced to ensure efficient use of parking slots. Rates may vary based on location, time of day, and demand—encouraging turnover in high-traffic areas and making off-peak parking more affordable.
While the proposal was largely met with support, some councillors raised concerns over implementation logistics and contractor accountability. Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh objected to allowing parking contractors to collect fees immediately upon taking over the sites.
“It is only fair that the contractor charges the public after the space has actually been converted into a smart parking lot,” Singh argued. “Charging from day one, while taking 90 days for upgrades, is not justified.”
He called for strict monitoring and performance timelines to ensure the promised features are delivered within the stipulated timeframe.
The Committee assured that councillors’ inputs would be incorporated into the final draft of the proposal. The revised plan is expected to be placed before the General House in the next session for final approval.
Officials underlined that the Smart Parking Project supports Chandigarh’s goals of inclusive and green urban development. By reducing vehicle idling and unnecessary circling in search of parking, the system is expected to contribute to lower emissions and improved air quality.
The initiative also emphasises accessibility, with lifts and pathways for persons with disabilities to be integrated into new designs.
“Public feedback and civic participation are essential. This isn’t just about parking—it’s about transforming how our city moves,” Mayor Babla said.
The meeting briefly turned tense over an unrelated issue when Congress councillor Sachin Galav objected to the distribution of invitation cards for Samvidhan Hatya Diwas, an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975.
Calling the meeting “an inappropriate venue” for such political messaging, Galav tore up the invitation card, prompting sharp reactions from BJP councillors.
Despite the outburst, the committee returned focus to the Smart Parking agenda, with most members agreeing that such technological upgrades were long overdue.
With the draft nearing finalisation, the project could be one of the city’s most significant smart infrastructure rollouts in recent years. Once cleared by the General House, the tendering process and pilot implementation may begin later this year.
The administration believes the Smart Parking System could become a model for other Indian cities grappling with similar urban mobility issues.
“It’s not just about parking cars,” an official noted. “It’s about parking the city’s future on technology, efficiency, and sustainability.”
