Mumbai Civic Body Sets New Deadline for Smart Parking Bids

On October 30, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will close submissions for bids to develop a smart parking system intended to streamline parking across Mumbai. This initiative aims to revolutionize the parking experience in the city through a technology-driven solution, allowing users to book parking slots in advance or on-the-go.

The smart parking system will be implemented in both on-street and off-street locations under a public-private partnership (PPP). With the use of innovative technology such as cameras equipped with video analytics, magnetic sensors, and automated boom barriers, the system will monitor vehicles in real-time. It will provide updates on parking slot availability across various digital platforms, thereby facilitating easier navigation for motorists and helping to alleviate congestion in the bustling city.

Project Background and Development Timeline

This project has been in the works since March 2023, when the BMC issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the commissioning and maintenance of the system, which includes both software and hardware components. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the tender process faced delays attributed to issues with consultants assigned to the project. The BMC initially set a bid submission deadline of October 15, which was later extended to October 30 following requests from interested bidders.

According to a BMC official, “About ten firms were present for the pre-bid meetings, and we have answered all queries of the bidders. However, the parties had sought an extension of time for submission of bids, and accordingly, we have extended the same.”

Prior to the tender issued in March, the BMC had attempted to launch separate tenders for both software and hardware. Due to a lack of interest in the hardware tender, the civic body decided to merge both components into a single tender to attract more bidders.

User Experience and Benefits

The smart parking system is designed with the user in mind, enabling citizens to book parking slots in advance via a dedicated portal and mobile application. This feature aims to minimize waiting times at entry and exit points of parking facilities, enhancing overall efficiency. Additionally, motorists will be able to access information about applicable parking fees before they embark on their trips, further aiding in trip planning and helping to reduce traffic congestion.

By providing real-time data on parking availability and guiding users to the nearest open parking lots, the BMC’s smart parking initiative represents a significant step toward modernizing urban transport infrastructure in Mumbai. As the deadline for bids approaches, stakeholders are keenly observing how this project will unfold and its potential impact on the city’s traffic dynamics.