BMC to Launch Smart Parking App to Curb Mumbai’s Growing Street Parking Chaos

A Digital Move to Fix Mumbai’s Parking Puzzle

To ease the worsening parking crisis in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a smart parking app that will help motorists locate nearby public parking lots (PPLs) in real time. The initiative aims to reduce illegal on-road parking by redirecting vehicles to underutilized PPLs built across the city.

Thousands of Parking Spots, But No Takers

Despite Mumbai having 37 public parking lots with the capacity to accommodate nearly 29,715 vehicles, many of these remain largely empty. Sources close to the matter said this is primarily due to the lack of public awareness about their availability and locations. As a result, roads continue to be congested with parked vehicles, especially in high-traffic zones.

New App to Enable Slot Booking and Navigation

According to BMC’s Additional Municipal Commissioner, a tender for developing the smart parking app has already been floated. Once operational, the app will allow users to find the nearest PPL, navigate to it, and even book time slots in advance to secure a parking space.

Experts Urge Phased Rollout and Street Parking Integration

Urban transport experts have emphasized the need for BMC to first launch an app that includes street parking options. They believe familiarizing citizens with such digital tools will gradually ease the shift to PPL usage. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring parking facilities are made available in every part of the city.

FSI Incentives Led to Lopsided PPL Distribution

It was reported that private builders have been constructing PPLs in exchange for additional Floor Space Index (FSI). This has led to a clustering of PPLs in construction-heavy areas like Lower Parel, Elphinstone Road, Malabar Hill, Altamount Road, Byculla, and Bhandup, while other regions remain underserved.

Long-Term Parking by Residents Hampers Availability

Activists pointed out that many local residents use PPLs to park their vehicles for extended durations—sometimes up to six months—leaving little space for short-term visitors. This misuse, coupled with poor visibility of parking options, has defeated the core purpose of the PPL initiative, they claimed.

Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements, expert opinions, and public sources. Details regarding the app’s launch timeline and features may be subject to change based on BMC’s implementation strategy.