SDMC Parking Policy : Smart Infra, Pedestrian-Friendly

New Delhi (PTI): From app-based lot booking system to pedestrian-friendly model parking zones, the civic body in south Delhi is ramping up its “smart parking” infrastructure while encouraging people to use public transport to reach markets.

A top official of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation said it has adopted a “community-led development policy” under which marketing associations and resident welfare associations (RWAs) are being engaged to come out with “win-win” 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 Prem Shankar Jha, Deputy Commissioner, R P Cell at SDMC.

He said 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 told PTI.

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,” Jha said.