The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has unveiled plans to modernize the collection of public parking fees throughout the federal capital, as reported by a news source on October 31. According to an undisclosed MCI official, the new parking management system will be implemented in partnership with a private entity.
This public-private collaboration will involve a private company responsible for the installation and operation of the system, following a revenue-sharing model. Importantly, the existing parking fees will remain unchanged, preserving the current rates established by the MCI. Thus, motorbike parking will continue to cost PKR 30, while car parking will remain at PKR 50.
The MCI has issued a call for expressions of interest from fintech and technology solution providers to facilitate this digital transformation. The initial phase of the project will focus on high-traffic locations, including F-9 Park, Lake View, and the Centaurus Parking facility.
Additionally, the G-9 Public Transport and parking areas at the Kohsar Market will be incorporated into this digital initiative. The parking fees for the two plazas in F-7 will also undergo the digitization process.
Looking ahead, the digitization initiative will gradually expand to cover other areas within the city in subsequent phases. While a previous attempt to auction the collection of parking fees in F-9 did not attract any bidders, underscoring the unique challenges involved in this transition, the MCI remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the digitization of public parking fees.
This marks a significant stride in modernizing Islamabad’s urban landscape and enhancing convenience for the city’s residents and visitors.