Chennai Corporation to Revive On-Street Parking Regulation Using AI Cameras

Greater Chennai Corporation is reviving its on-street parking regulation system and preparing to introduce dynamic pricing across 20 identified packages in Chennai through a public-private partnership model using AI-powered cameras and digital payments.

Civic authorities and transport planners are stepping up efforts as the Chennai Metropolitan Area grapples with 92 lakh registered vehicles according to 2022 RTO data. Cars and two-wheelers regularly overflow onto footpaths and residential streets, leaving multi-level car parking facilities underutilised because street parking remains free.

According to the January 2025 Strategy and Action Plan Parking Policy formulated by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), a dedicated Parking Management Unit will be established. The unit will design parking management and implementation plans, recommend pricing structures, and supervise enforcement strategies.

CUMTA has already floated tenders for an Area-Level Parking Management Plan, which is slated to begin in Anna Nagar after earlier regulatory attempts in areas like Besant Nagar. ITDP India program manager Venugopal AV noted that parking management must eventually extend beyond municipal limits to places such as Tambaram and Kancheepuram.

Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G S Sameeran stated that studies are actively underway to roll out the system. Under the proposed model, on-street parking rates will be set higher than multi-level car parking charges and will fluctuate according to peak hours. Sameeran added that police personnel will assist with enforcement on the ground, while digital payment mechanisms will prevent revenue leakages.

Civic activists pointed out that parking congestion also severely affects older neighbourhoods including RA Puram, Egmore, George Town, and Adyar, where many buildings lack dedicated parking spaces. Expanding areas like Mogappair and Velachery also face similar pressures, with street parking often blocking emergency vehicle access.