Mumbai: The BMC faced challenges in implementing its smart parking system after failing to receive adequate responses to their Request for Proposal (RFP) for infrastructure and hardware components.

To address this, BMC has issued a fresh tender to appoint a single contractor responsible for both hardware and software development. The system aims to enable motorists to book parking slots in advance, enhancing parking management efficiency.

Last year, the BMC issued an RFP to select a concessionaire for the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a smart parking system for on-street and off-street locations under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Subsequently, another RFP was released to select a system integrator for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining a camera-based parking guidance system with video analytics, sensors, and a digital payment mechanism.

However, due to the lack of response to the two separate tenders issued earlier, BMC has now decided to award both hardware and software responsibilities to a single contractor.

"This approach will prevent any disruptions in the planning and execution phases. By consolidating both functions under one contractor, it is expected that overall efficiency and accountability in implementation will be significantly improved,"said a senior civic official.

The project aims to implement a smart parking system using cameras with video analytics or magnetic sensors to identify parking availability and occupancy in both on-street and off-street locations. It will allow users to make payments online or via Fastag.

Real-time parking availability will be provided through various data sources, including vehicle entry/exit monitoring and sensors. Citizens can also book parking slots in advance via a web portal or mobile app, reducing queues and traffic congestion.

Additionally, motorists can pay parking fees on-site via POS machines, Fastag, or online payment methods. The estimated amount to be spent on the system is around Rs 20 crores.