CDA smart parking eases traffic, boosts revenue

Islamabad:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a Smart Parking System across Islamabad’s key commercial areas, aiming to digitize parking operations, increase transparency, and significantly boost municipal revenue, officials said Friday.

The system—already deployed at high-traffic zones such as Centaurus Parking Lot, F-7 Markaz, and the Diplomatic Enclave—marks a major shift from manual to tech-based parking management, part of CDA’s broader push to transform the federal capital into a digitally enabled smart city.

He said that the credit goes to CDA Chairman, whose push for a tech-driven transformation of city services is bearing fruit. Officials say the initiative fits within his broader vision of making Islamabad a smart, efficient, and transparent urban centre.

Developed in partnership with AJCL (Pvt.) Ltd, a leading firm in technology integration and urban solutions, the initiative allows users to pay parking fees via digital wallets, debit and credit cards, or a dedicated mobile app. For those without access to electronic payment methods, the CDA has introduced digital vouchers that convert cash into electronic tokens, ensuring accessibility for all segments of society.

Officials say the move has led to improved operational efficiency and greater transparency in fee collection, while easing congestion and streamlining traffic flow at busy locations. “This project reflects the CDA’s commitment to modernize service delivery through technology and make Islamabad more liveable,” a senior CDA official told The News.

Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many residents praising the ease, speed, and security of the new system. “It’s a relief not having to deal with cash or long queues,” said a regular commuter in F-7.

The revenue generated through the Smart Parking System will be reinvested in the uplift of city marakaz (commercial centres), with a focus on improving cleanliness, infrastructure, and public amenities, officials added.

The initiative is being hailed as a successful model of public-private collaboration and underscores CDA’s increasing focus on digital urban management in line with global smart city trends.