How AI and IoT are changing the way we park in India

Parking in India is getting smarter, and AI and IoT are helping cities and drivers manage spots and park more efficiently.

May 14, 2025 - 02:58

How AI and IoT are changing the way we park in India

If you’ve ever driven through a crowded Indian city, you know how frustrating finding a parking spot can be. You circle the block, dodge honking cars, deal with tight spaces—and still end up parking a mile away. But thanks to technology, this everyday struggle might soon be a thing of the past.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are quietly but powerfully transforming how we park our vehicles. These smart technologies are helping cities—and drivers like us—find better, faster, and smarter ways to manage parking.

What exactly is smart parking?

Imagine a parking space that tells you whether it's occupied or free, and an app that guides you straight to it. That’s the idea behind smart parking. Tiny sensors are embedded in parking spots, and they send real-time data to a cloud system. From there, drivers can get live updates on their phones about where to park, how much space is available, and even pay digitally—no paper tickets or waiting around.

How AI makes it smarter

While IoT helps with real-time updates, AI takes it a step further. It looks at data—like how many cars are usually parked in a location at certain hours—and starts to predict when and where parking spots are likely to be available.

It’s like having a smart assistant in your car that says, “Hey, this street usually clears up around 4 PM. Let’s try parking there.”

AI can also help cities and companies manage parking more efficiently. For instance, it can suggest how to price parking depending on demand or even help traffic police monitor violations automatically using cameras and image recognition.

Why this matters for you—and the city

Think about all the time and fuel we waste looking for parking. Not to mention the traffic jams and the air pollution that come with it. Smarter parking means less driving around, which means cleaner air, fewer honks, and happier drivers.

And for cities, it means better use of space, more organized traffic, and a step closer to being truly “smart.”

It's already happening

In cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune, smart parking systems are already being tested and rolled out. Some malls and business hubs now show you available spots on LED screens, and even let you book your slot in advance using an app.

Private startups and government initiatives are working together to bring these solutions to more places—and it’s just the beginning.

There are some bumps

Sure, the road to smarter parking isn’t without its challenges. Installing sensors and tech infrastructure costs money. Not all areas have the network connectivity needed. And let’s not forget the importance of protecting users’ data and privacy.

But with India's push toward digital transformation and smart cities, there’s real momentum. With the right support and public awareness, we’re looking at a future where the parking problem doesn’t ruin your day anymore.

In short: Parking in India is getting smarter—and it’s about time. Thanks to AI and IoT, we're moving toward a future where finding a spot is quick, stress-free, and maybe even enjoyable. Now that’s a ride worth looking forward to.

(Dhananjaya Bhardwaj is the CEO and co-founder of ParkMate.)

Edited by Jyoti Narayan