Kolkata Municipal Corporation is preparing to revive an app-based parking system to curb illegal parking, improve monitoring and make parking fee collection more transparent across the city. The proposed arrangement is expected to be implemented jointly by the civic body and Kolkata Police.
The move comes amid continuing parking pressure on Kolkata’s roads, where vehicles are often parked on both sides of streets and, in some locations, on footpaths. The resulting obstruction affects pedestrian movement and makes already-congested stretches more difficult to navigate. Complaints of financial irregularities linked to parking operations have also been reported, according to Sanmarg – Kolkata.
Under the proposed system, vehicles would be permitted only at designated and authorised parking locations. Hourly parking charges would have to be displayed clearly at each site, allowing motorists to check the applicable fee before leaving their vehicles. Parking personnel would also be required to wear prescribed uniforms and carry photo identity cards.
The proposed app is intended to connect the relevant departments and create a common channel for reporting and enforcement. In cases of illegal parking, information about the vehicle would be sent through the system to the concerned authorities. The earlier proposal also envisaged using the vehicle registration number to send a fine notification to the owner’s mobile phone.
A similar plan was drawn up in December 2023 to connect the transport department, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police through a single system. However, that arrangement could not be implemented fully after technical problems affected the earlier effort. The civic body is now preparing a revised system, with greater emphasis on transparency and operational effectiveness.
The new arrangement would also formally prohibit parking on footpaths. This is significant for pedestrians because vehicles occupying footpaths force people to walk along carriageways, increasing conflict between pedestrians and moving traffic. The report does not specify the complete list of authorised parking locations, the proposed launch date, the fee structure or the penalties that would apply under the revived system.
The municipal corporation’s stated objective is to use the app to monitor both parking charges and violations. The proposed integration of civic and police authorities could allow complaints and enforcement information to move through one system rather than being handled separately. Its effectiveness will depend on the final technology, the accuracy of vehicle information, the availability of authorised parking spaces and the consistency of field-level enforcement.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police are expected to finalise the details of the revised app-based arrangement before implementation. The next milestones are the completion of the system, identification of authorised parking sites and publication of the applicable parking charges and enforcement procedures.
