- The plaza in Blue Area can hold more than 1,200 vehicles and stays open 24/7.
- Parking is free for the first few days, then Rs. 100 per car and Rs. 50 per motorcycle.
- The first 20 minutes remain free, and payment can be made cashless or online on exit.
- A rooftop restaurant is planned, and several commercial shops have already been auctioned.
Islamabad's first modern digital parking plaza is now fully operational in Blue Area, one of the capital's busiest commercial districts. The facility can accommodate more than 1,200 vehicles and offers round-the-clock service.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) says the plaza will stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Motorists will not be charged for parking during the first few days after the launch.
Parking Charges After the Free Period
Once the introductory free period ends, motorists will pay Rs. 100 per car and Rs. 50 per motorcycle. Even then, the first 20 minutes of parking will remain free of charge.
| Vehicle | Charge | Free allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Rs. 100 | First 20 minutes |
| Motorcycle | Rs. 50 | First 20 minutes |
How the Digital System Works
The authority has installed a digital parking management and monitoring system at the plaza. It will manage vehicle entry and exit, and is also meant to improve security at the facility.
Motorists will receive digital parking receipts. The plaza will support cashless and online payment options, so drivers can settle their charges when they leave.
The CDA expects the system to make parking more secure and transparent. It also aims to introduce modern parking infrastructure in the federal capital.
Rooftop Restaurant and Commercial Shops
The project includes commercial facilities alongside parking. A restaurant will be established on the rooftop of the plaza.
Authorities have also completed the auction of several commercial shops located inside the facility.
Easing Pressure on a Busy Commercial Hub
The launch comes as Islamabad continues to see complaints about unorganised parking, traffic congestion and a shortage of designated parking spaces in its major commercial areas.
The Blue Area plaza is expected to give motorists a dedicated place to park and to help the authorities manage parking better in one of the city's busiest business districts.
After the initial free period ends, the announced rates will apply. The rooftop restaurant is still to be established.
Questions and answers
How many vehicles can the Blue Area parking plaza hold?
The plaza can accommodate more than 1,200 vehicles.
How much will parking cost?
After the initial free days, parking will cost Rs. 100 per car and Rs. 50 per motorcycle. The first 20 minutes are free.
Can motorists pay without cash?
Yes. The plaza supports cashless and online payments, which drivers can make when leaving, and issues digital receipts.
Image: Obaid747 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
