Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar recently inaugurated the new mobile-app-based smart parking system in Kochi. The 'ParKochi' app offers updates on available parking lots, lot payments, facility updates, and more. A total of 30 locations are listed on the app, along with the number of parking slots available at each and the distance from your current location. The parking lots include those connected to various Kochi Metro Stations, Durbar Hall Ground, Bay Pride Mall, Chamber of Commerce and the Kochi Marine Drive Ground. The 4.81 crore project is implemented jointly by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML), Cochin Corporation, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, District Tourism Promotion Council, and Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority. 

Not operational yet
While the app is currently available on various platforms, it does not allow users to pick their preferred spots or skip the option to add Value Added Services. CSML authorities said this is because the app will be fully operational only in about a week or two, and contracts for each spot are yet to be finalised. 

Kochi Metro. File Photo: Manorama.
The app also lists parking spots connected to varous Kochi Metro stations. File Photo: Manorama.

What it offers now
CSML said that at the moment, users can check whether there are any vacant spots in their preferred spot, through this app. The 'Available' number displayed on the right side of the parking spot name shows how many slots are vacant at the time a user checks the app.  

How to use the app
1. Download 'ParKochi' app from your mobile app store
2. Agree to 'Terms and Conditions' and Click on 'Next'
3. Skip the intro or watch the services on offer, click on 'Next'
4. Provide your phone number or 'Continue with Google' to log in
5. Give location permissions as per your choice

Durbar Hall in Kochi. Representational image. Photo: Josekutty Panackal/Manorama
Durbar Hall Ground, PT Usha Road, Boat Jetty Marine Drive, Bay Pride Mall and the Chamber of Commerce are a few of the spots on the app. Representational image. Photo: Josekutty Panackal/Manorama
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6. See the list of 30 parking lots on the left side, alongside the number of slots and the distance from your current location, on the right side of the app panel.
7. Select your preferred spot.
8. You can also pick a Value Added Service like 'Feeder Bus' or 'Metro,' if required. The option appears at the bottom of the screen.
9. The makers claim that once the app is operational, users will be able to pick the desired spots and make a payment. 

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