CCC launches paid parking on pilot basis

Our Correspondent
CHATTOGRAM, June 30: The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has launched a pilot paid-parking project in the Agrabad Commercial area with a view to alleviate traffic congestion in the port city.
CCC Mayor M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury inaugurated the project, aimed at putting in order the city's transport system, at a progframme at Hotel Agrabad on Sunday.
CDA Chairman Mohammad Yunus was also present at the event.
The introduction of the paid parking system faced delay due to objections from the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) several times.
Despite various steps in 2019 and 2020, the project did not see progress but during a discussion held in October 2023 the CCC and CMP managed to reach a decision with joint formation of a plan eventually.
CMP now has representation in the technical committee overseeing the implementation, supervision, review, and evaluation of the paid-parking project.
The pilot project provides parking spaces for 177 cars in front of Silver Spoon Restaurant and on Dutch-Bangla Bank Road in Agrabad, with support from a commercial organisation called B-Track Solutions.
Citizens can rent parking spaces online or in cash through the 'Yes Parking' app.
Depending on the type of vehicle and duration, parking fees range from Tk15 to 200. However, as part of the initial campaign, parking will be free for the next two weeks.
Addressing the inaugural programme, CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury underlined the importance of digital process to solve citizens' problems.
He said, "Introducing paid parking in Agrabad is a step towards reduction in traffic congestion. More paid parking spots would be introduced across the city based on the experiences of this pilot project."
"Besides, the city is working to remove the mess of hanging wires by installing them underground in three wards," he added.
CDA Chairman Mohammad Yunus expressing optimism said that paid parking would reduce the chaos of car parking in the city and that a modern signal system would further alleviate traffic congestion.
He also noted the challenge of reoccupying roads by hawkers after their eviction, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to address the situation.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by CCC Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Muhammad Tauhidul Islam and Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Masud Ahmed, among others.
Earlier, CCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with B-Track Solutions on March 3, outlining a six-month duration for the pilot project.
It may be mentioned that in the specified zone, three-wheelers and four-wheelers will have to pay Tk30 per hour and Tk 200 for parking from 8 am to 6 pm.
Motorcycles and scooters will be charged Tk15 per hour and Tk100 for parking from 8 am to 6 pm.
Vehicle owners will have to pay double the prescribed fee for parking beyond the booking period from 8 am to 9 pm.
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