In a bold step to tackle chronic parking woes and decongest city roads, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the government’s mission to build 100 automated parking facilities across the capital. The first showcase—a gleaming multi-level shuttle parking structure in Greater Kailash—opened to the public this week, setting the tone for a sweeping transformation in urban mobility and civic convenience.
New Era Begins: Automated Parking Unveiled
Parking chaos has long plagued Delhi’s busiest hubs, leading to traffic logjams, disputes, and lost productivity for residents and shoppers. On Saturday, Rekha Gupta inaugurated the city’s latest innovation: a fully automated multi-level parking tower developed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Built at a cost of nearly Rs 63.74 crore, this new facility accommodates 399 vehicles with zero human intervention, using advanced lift systems and real-time monitoring to ensure efficient space usage.
Major Takeaways From The Mega Project
The GK parking complex operates on a shuttle-type mechanism, using five car lifts and seven above-ground levels plus a basement to optimize capacity.
Each level can accommodate 57 vehicles, and the entire facility is designed to minimize waiting time and eliminate manual errors.
The project includes an underground water tank of 1.5 lakh liters, modern firefighting equipment, and has secured Delhi Fire Service approval for safety.
Ten years of operation and maintenance are included in the project cost, promising reliability and continuity of service.
Space has been allocated for both SUVs and sedans, ensuring flexibility for diverse users.
Citywide Rollout: Towards Smarter Parking
With this launch, the Delhi government outlined its larger blueprint for smart-city infrastructure, aiming to replicate similar automated parking solutions in 100 prime locations. By pinpointing congestion hotspots in busy markets and residential areas, the initiative is expected to offer a permanent fix for parking shortages, smoother everyday traffic, and a better overall urban experience.
Focus On Technology And Urban Innovation
The push for automated parking is backed by newer technologies, including AI-powered entry, automated ticketing, and centralized facility management.
Solar panel utilization and sustainable design have been encouraged to reduce environmental impact, with the government urging market associations to embrace renewable energy.
Revenue models include advertising space on exteriors—70 percent of ad income will be routed to the Municipal Corporation, funding further civic upgrades.
Community Impact: Relief For Residents And Businesses
Local residents can opt for monthly parking plans, catering to both shopkeepers and families who frequent dense commercial zones.
The facility’s launch was attended by Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, MP Bansuri Swaraj, and other key officials, signaling administrative solidarity and community buy-in.
The parking plan is positioned not just as a tech fix, but as part of a “Service Fortnight” (Seva Pakhwada) coinciding with the Prime Minister’s birthday, underscoring the government’s focus on citizen-centric governance.
Future Vision: Seamless Mobility, Smart City Growth
Rekha Gupta emphasized that there will be no shortage of funds to support these state-of-the-art projects as the city advances towards true smart city status.
Additional phases will bring the same model to other districts, utilizing puzzle parking systems, shuttle operations, and digital monitoring for transparent, secure, and efficient facility management.
Subsequent facilities may also feature solar, rainwater harvesting, and expanded capacity to further boost Delhi’s environmental and infrastructural credentials.
The road ahead is promising as Delhi embarks on a journey to untangle its notorious parking mess with futuristic solutions. With a clear emphasis on safety, transparency, technological leadership, and citizen service, the automated parking revolution could become a flagship model for other Indian metros battling similar urban maladies.
Sources: The New Indian Express, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, The Statesman, Daily Pioneer, Times of India, Live Hindustan, PTI News
