On Friday, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) launched Islamabad’s first digital car parking system at G-8 Markaz.
CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and board members inaugurated the project at G-8 Markaz. Member of Technology and Digitization, Nauman Khalid, provided an overview of the initiative. To raise public awareness, the parking will be free for an initial period.
The CDA plans to waive parking fees for approximately 10 days. Additionally, a digital parking system is being set up near Centaurus Mall and in F-7, which will become operational on September 25. Future plans include expanding the system to other commercial areas, including the under-construction Blue Area parking plaza.
The new system will offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, QR codes, scratch cards, and cash through machines. CDA Chairman stated that revenue from the digital parking system will be reinvested into enhancing the same market, which is expected to boost the city’s business and economy.
The CDA has awarded a five-year contract for the project to a joint venture of Pakistani and Chinese companies. According to the agreement, CDA will receive 75% of the revenue, while the contractor will get 25%. All cash will be deposited directly into CDA accounts, and the contractor’s share will be settled monthly.
Parking will remain free for the first 15 minutes, accommodating short stops for activities like ATM use or quick shopping. The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), part of MCI, will handle parking management, with the CDA’s IT wing assisting in digitization.
The DMA has been managing parking fees amid allegations of corruption. A special audit in 2022 uncovered significant irregularities, including improper fee collections and unauthorized printing of parking ticket books. The audit also revealed a lack of transparency and accountability in the DMA’s operations, resulting in a loss of Rs82.34 million.
The DMA recently took over the G-9 bus stand and Centaurus parking spaces, with concerns raised about kiosk rentals and fee collections. An inquiry committee was formed, but its findings have yet to be disclosed.
