Digitized Automated parking: The future of smart cities in India?

It is a hectic day and all you have been doing for the last thirty minutes is circling the block to find a suitable parking spot. We have all been there, haven't we? After all, finding a convenient parking spot is more complex than driving itself. According to IBM, an average Indian driver spends not less than 20 minutes every day looking for a suitable parking spot. This immensely impacts the entire national productivity daily.

Relevance of Technology in a post-pandemic world

Although technology was already transforming how we live and conduct business, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of tech-driven solutions globally. Parking solutions that were digital and contactless were already gaining popularity. The case for contactless, digital parking systems, however, was significantly strengthened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of digital parking technologies is just the start of a tech revolution that will transform urban living.

Need for Reforms in Parking

A revitalized parking system has become the need of the hour, especially in India's rapidly developing smart cities. Many cities in India, like Mumbai, have lower per capita open spaces than the levels recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). On the other hand, new vehicle registrations are constantly on the rise. As a result, there is a space crunch for parking vehicles.

Although cities have developed over the years, most buildings in the city do not have any provisions for parking. Given these circumstances, the cramped roads become the natural parking space for old and new cars. With cars parked on the sides of busy streets, traffic congestion has increased at manifold rates. The nation suffers significant losses due to traffic congestion and fuel inflation. If we keep progressing in this fashion, soon, there will be an explosion in parking demands due to the pace of motorization and urbanization.

Earlier parking was a simple space-renting model that was managed manually. Electronic services such as parking meters only partially automate the parking procedure. These manual parking methods were created many years ago when more people were on the street than vehicles, which is no longer the case. Such parking buildings are unquestionably ineffective in function and take up more land. We need an urgent reform in parking.

Latest developments in Digitized Automated Parking

Over the years, researchers have developed technology to meet parking demands, such as fully automated type parking and conventional ramp-type parking. In India, the Automated Multi-level Car Parking Systems (AMLCP) has existed for over two decades. It is far more efficient and cheaper than other traditional parking systems.

They aid in vertical car parking and are mechanically operated. Automated multilevel parking solutions not only save a lot of lands but are also a sustainable choice. An automatic car parking system may produce parking spaces for 50 cars in the exact location where a conventional parking system can only accommodate 3 cars. Such a parking system is capable of reducing parking congestion in cities. It also mitigates all the despairs that come with it, such as air pollution, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and the time spent looking for parking spaces.

The need of the hour for Smart Cities

All the challenges that people in smart cities are now dealing with can be solved with a parking system that is digitally equipped. With the present system, users can autonomously cross every step of the parking procedure, from knowing the state of the parking lot's occupancy to receiving tickets, parking, and costs. Multiple automated car parking systems can be built in smart cities to take advantage of available space, and parking spaces can be reserved via apps or other technologically advanced systems.

With a digitized parking system, users can get real-time updates on a suitable parking spot closest to their location. Such a system automates a significant amount of time drivers spend regularly looking for a parking spot.

The Way Forward/Future Directions/ The Next Steps

Parking is, without a doubt, one of the most crucial components of futuristic living spaces as smarter cities prioritize the convenience of their residents. A smart parking system aims to relieve city streets of the growing number of cars and few parking places.

Smart parking will enable city officials to predict traffic patterns and better manage the city's entire parking situation by leveraging data gathered through smart parking apps. As a result, smart cities can provide the convenience they advertise while solving significant urban concerns. They'll save patience, time, and fuel. Additionally, customers will have peace of mind knowing that their vehicles are secure while parked.

Conclusion

Park+ is one such app that revolutionizes parking. One can easily book a parking space nearest to them, in any city. In just two years since its inception, the Park+ app has managed to serve thousands of customers. Apart from parking, Park+ also provides FASTag services, information on challans, new cars launched , and nearby RTO offices locator.

Rapid technological advancement is still occurring, with newer apps like the Park+ app taking the market by storm. Parking, access, and exit will become even more effective and practical, whether at shopping centers, institutions of higher learning, or office buildings. With apps like Park+, parking will no longer be a source of conflict in major cities. The stress brought on by an imbalance between available spaces and vehicles will be resolved.