Parking Gets a Digital Upgrade: PCMC Rolls Out WhatsApp-Based ‘Pay and Park’ at 10 Key Spots

Image Source: Pune Pulse

Key Highlights

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched a WhatsApp-based ‘Pay and Park’ system at 10 major locations, aiming to streamline parking, reduce traffic congestion, and promote smart city solutions across Pune’s bustling twin city.

How the System Works

Motorists can now book, pay for, and manage their parking directly through WhatsApp, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cash transactions.

Users simply scan a QR code displayed at parking lots or send a message to the designated PCMC WhatsApp number, follow prompts to register their vehicle, select the parking duration, and pay digitally.

The system generates an e-receipt, which can be shown to parking attendants for verification, ensuring a seamless, contactless experience.

Benefits for Commuters and the City

The initiative is expected to cut down waiting times at parking lots, minimize illegal parking, and reduce road blockages in high-traffic zones.

Real-time digital payments and automated records enhance transparency and reduce revenue leakages for the civic body.

The WhatsApp interface is user-friendly, accessible to all age groups, and supports multiple languages, making it inclusive for the city’s diverse population.

Strategic Locations

The 10 pilot sites include busy commercial and residential areas such as Pimpri, Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigdi, and Wakad, selected based on traffic density and parking demand.

PCMC plans to monitor user feedback and system performance, with the potential for citywide expansion if the pilot proves successful.

Smart City Push

This move aligns with PCMC’s broader smart city vision, integrating technology to enhance urban mobility, citizen convenience, and digital governance.

The corporation is also exploring integration with other mobility apps and digital payment platforms for future upgrades.

Sources: Pune Mirror, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express, Sakal

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