JOIN USNew Delhi rly station to give more parking space
Parking woes of motorists visiting New Delhi railway station is all set to be solved in the days to come as railway authorities are planning a new circulating plan in the station premises.
The new circulating plan at Ajmeri Gate side of the station, which handles 70 per cent of the four-lakh passenger traffic at the station will, in effect, almost double up the space available for parking.
“The entire circulating plan is being revamped. Major changes will include relocation of the prepaid booth and converting the auto-taxi stand into a general parking lot.
Apart from these, the approach and exit roads of the premium parking area are being changed, which will increasetheir parking capacity as well,” said divisional railway manager Anurag Sachan.
According to railway officials, once the new circulating plan comes into effect, the three parking lots at Ajmeri Gate side of the station will be able to accommodate around 1,200 cars — double the current capacity of 600 vehicles.
As per the plans, the prepaid booth of the conventional taxi and auto rickshaws will be brought closer to the station building from its current position, which is in one corner of the premise.
“The booth will be relocated between the two foot-over-bridges, with dedicated bays for entry of pre-paid taxis and three-wheelers.
Apart from that, the dedicated parking space for autos and taxis will be converted into general parking area, which alone will have a capacity of 700 vehicles,” Sachan said.
Railway officials said the shifting of prepaid booth will also help passengers as not many people currently use the prepaid booth.
It is too far from the exit points at the station building and passengers are often harassed by touts.
Premium parking plan
The premium parking area at Ajmeri gate, opposite platform number 16, will soon have a new entry point apart from having automated machines providing parking slips.
“A portion of an abandoned building on Bhavabhuti Marg has been demolished. The space will be used both for entry and exit into the premium parking lot.
Now motorists will not be required to enter the circulating area of the station. Instead, they can enter straight into the parking lot from Bhavabhuti Marg. With more space, the area will be able to accommodate 250 cars,” said Sachan.
The parking space here will have an electronic board to display empty slots available. Congress MP Naveen Jindal had filed a complaint with railway authorities some days ago over congestion in the premium car parking area.