The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to reissue a tender for the implementation and maintenance of a smart parking system across on-street and off-street locations in Mumbai under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This decision follows the cancellation of the previous tender, which failed to attract adequate responses despite multiple extensions.
Revised Terms and Conditions
According to a civic official, the earlier tender required operators to pay property tax for off-street public parking lots. This condition will be removed in the new tender. Additionally, the financial eligibility criteria are being revised. The official stated, "We are also expecting ancillary revenue while implementing the project."
Technology-Driven Parking Management
The proposed smart parking system aims to introduce a seamless, technology-driven, and user-friendly parking management solution. Motorists will be able to book parking slots in advance or on the go, reducing traffic congestion by providing real-time information on parking availability across the city.
BMC additional commissioner (projects) Abhijit Bangar explained, "We want agencies with strong expertise that can offer integrated solutions combining hardware components such as sensors with advanced analytics software. Accordingly, the conditions are being modified and the tender will be published again."
System Components
The smart parking system will utilize cameras with video analytics, magnetic sensors, and automatic boom barriers to monitor vehicle movement in real time. Information on vacant parking slots will be made available to motorists through multiple digital platforms. The system will track vehicle entry and exit, providing accurate, real-time updates on parking availability.
Regarding the previous tender, a civic official noted, "The companies that came forward in response to the earlier tender did not meet our expectations. We are looking for a blend of experience and capability to provide an integrated solution."
Background
In March of the previous year, the BMC invited Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the commissioning and maintenance of the smart parking system, encompassing both software and hardware components. Prior to this, the civic body had issued separate tenders for software and hardware. However, due to inadequate response to the hardware tender, the BMC decided to combine both into a single tender.
Benefits for Motorists
Once implemented, motorists will be able to reserve parking slots in advance through a web portal or mobile application at off-street parking facilities, avoiding queues at entry and exit points. The system will also provide information on applicable parking charges before a trip is planned, helping to ease traffic congestion during both peak and non-peak hours.
