A HCM City-based company has offered to build a nine-storey smart parking lot in the city’s downtown area, and the Department of Transport has sought approval from the administration.

If approved, En-parking Japan Clever System Development Joint Stock Company will build the 6,040sq.m, 21.8m tall facility, which will cost VNĐ161.2 billion (US$7.3 million), at Lam Sơn Square near the Opera House in District 1 and also operate it.

The construction will take a maximum of 14 months.

The parking spaces will be from the second to ninth storeys, and 168 cars can be accommodated.

To begin with, parking will cost VNĐ27,000 ($1.2) per hour and VNĐ468,000 ($21) per day.

The parking will be automated, with machines arranging the vehicles in the proper places.

The People’s Committee and Department of Taxation have approved the proposal, but the Department of Finance wants the investor to consider the parking fees again and clearly indicate the expected cash flows, the Department of Transport said.

The city’s parking needs are increasing rapidly, and smart parking lots are expected to provide the solution in future. 

VNS