CDA reverts to Manual ‘Perchi System’, Replacing Flagship Digital Parking Initiative
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has rolled back its much-publicized Digital Parking project, reinstating the conventional manual ticketing system—commonly known as the Perchi System—at several key locations in Islamabad.
Earlier the digital parking initiative, launched under the leadership of CDA Chairman Ali Randhawa, aimed to enhance transparency, curb malpractices, and improve revenue collection through a modern, tech-based parking solution. The authority had initially designated eight prominent sites for the project, including Centaurus, Kohsar Market, F-7 Multilevel Parking, Shakar Parian, Lake View Park, Daman-e-Koh, and H-9 Weekly Bazaar.The Digital Parking initiative was hailed as a step forward towards digitizing Islamabad’s parking system.
Encouraged by the people of Islamabad, the initiative aimed to bring transparency and efficiency to the parking system. However, the project has faced a significant setback, with digital parking being replaced by conventional manual ticketing.
The digital parking system had led to a notable increase in revenue compared to the previous year. However, the increased transparency and revenue visibility to the authority seemed to have upset certain vested interests.
Sources claim that malafide practices and commissions were halted due to the digital system’s transparency, which didn’t favour some individuals.
In a surprising move, the authority took over the sites from the contractor after just 8 months of operations, despite the contractor having a valid contract and a stay in place.
Sources reveal that the revenue generated during these 8 months surpassed the annual revenue collection by the authority in the previous year.
Before the takeover, several FIRs were filed against the contractor’s staff, and they were allegedly harassed, seemingly with the intent of forcing the contractor to quit the project.
The contractor has since filed a contempt petition against key officials of the authority, demanding justice.
The case has also seen significant court proceedings. Several hearings have been conducted, resulting in the stay being awarded to the contractor and subsequently extended until June 16, 2025.
Interestingly, another firm that participated in the tender process has filed a writ against the authority. In response, the authority provided detailed documentation of the thorough evaluation process, showcasing that the current contractor was selected as the most advantageous bidder after a comprehensive technical and financial assessment.
The sudden reversal of the digital parking initiative raises questions about the authority’s commitment to transparency and progress. The people of Islamabad had welcomed the digital parking system as a step towards a more modern and efficient city. It remains to be seen how this situation unfolds and whether justice will be served.
According to media reports, CDA terminated the contract with company AJCL.