India, Dec. 31 -- Originally conceived in August 2022, the smart parking initiative aimed to modernise all 89 paid parking lots in Chandigarh, replacing manual slips with FASTag-enabled digital payments and real-time monitoring. However, over three years later, attendants still collect cash manually at every lot. Why it matters: Efficient parkingmanagement could reduce congestion, improve commuter convenience, and boost municipal revenue. Challenges: After parking rates were approved in July 2024, the MC began the process of awarding the project to a private firm. But the plan was delayed over technicalities in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and disagreements regarding GST collection and stamp duties. Eventually, councillors decided to scrap the existingproposal entirely and sought a revised blueprint with corrected rates and conditions. Where it stands: The project awaitsre-tendering. Meanwhile, the MC plans to roll out citywide monthly parking passes - Rs.500 for cars and Rs.250 for two-wheelers by January 15, 2026, as an interim measure....