JOIN USThe Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) may soon incorporate parking spaces at the Baiyappanahalli and Swami Vivekananda (SV) Road metro stations.
The corporation had come under a lot of criticism by commuters for not providing ample parking space.
The corporation has now called for tenders from agencies to operate and develop parking lots at the two stations that cover an average area of 2,600 square metres and 2,500 square metres, respectively. Central Parking Services, a premier agency, is tipped to acquire the rights to operate and develop the two parking areas. The last date for submitting bids is January 20.
At the Baiyappanahalli station, parking agencies can operate for three years; and at the SV Station, they can operate for one year, depending on the construction works.
BMRCL spokesperson B S Chavan told Deccan Herald that the decision to hand over the parking operations to a third party was taken after studying the demand for parking at these stations. In all likelihood, he said, there will be a common smart card to pay for Metro travel and parking.
Defending the BMRCL over the delay in providing parking spaces, Chavan said: “All of this cannot be done on the inaugural day. First, we had to look at the number of commuters using the Metro. After having studied the demand, we decided to give it to a third party,” he said.
The Fee
* Four-wheelers: Rs 20 for the first hour and Rs 5 for each additional hour.
* Two-wheelers: Rs 5 for the first four hours and Rs 3 for each additional hour.
* Bicycles: Re 1 per hour.