The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) have made a digital parking plaza in Blue Area fully operational, with capacity for more than 1,200 vehicles. The facility is intended to reduce congestion caused by vehicles parked along roads and in commercial areas.
The plaza will operate round the clock, seven days a week. Parking will be free for the first few days, after which motorists will pay Rs100 per car and Rs50 per motorcycle. The first 20 minutes will remain free, and charges will be collected when vehicles exit.
A digital management and monitoring system has been installed to regulate vehicle entry and exit and improve security. Motorists will receive digital receipts and can pay through cashless and online options.
The plaza is part of efforts to introduce organised parking in Blue Area, where a growing number of commercial establishments, visitors and private vehicles has increased pressure on existing infrastructure.
A restaurant will be set up on the rooftop, and the auction of several commercial shops in the plaza has been completed. The opening comes amid persistent complaints about haphazard parking, traffic congestion and a shortage of designated parking in Islamabad’s major commercial areas.
A CDA official said the plaza will provide some relief, but its effect on the wider parking problem will depend on enforcement against roadside parking and the development of similar facilities in other crowded sectors.
