N Corpn sets new deadlines for parking lot projects

Multi-level parking lots may be touted as the answer for parking problems in the city. However, motorists’ woes are unlikely to end soon as many of the multi-level and automated parking projects are still under construction, despite crossing their deadlines.

After missing several deadlines, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has set new dates for completion of some of its much-awaited multi-level parking lots.

With an eye on Assembly elections scheduled in November, the North Corporation has set July 15 and August 1 as the new deadlines to start the Kamla Nagar and Model Town parking lots. This was done after the North Delhi Mayor Azad Singh inspected the construction work at the parking lots over the last one week.

The Mayor said he has directed the officers to make arrangements to inaugurate Kamla Nagar parking on July 15.

“I have reviewed the construction work at Model Town on Thursday. Since work like installation of lifts and lighting system is still to be completed at Model Town parking, its inauguration has been fixed for August 1,” said Azad Singh.

Several multi-level parking lots were ideated by the unified MCD around five years ago to solve parking problems. The original deadline of completion for most of the projects was ahead of Commonwealth Games.

While the three-storey parking lot at Model Town has a parking capacity of 110 cars, the Kamla Nagar automated multi-level parking is spread over 3,200 square metres and has seven levels that will accommodate 834 cars and 300 two-wheelers.

While the corporation has set new deadlines for the two parking lots, it is still not committal about a date on which the Parade Ground multi-level parking in Chandi Chowk will be fully operational. Ironically, the unified MCD in February 2012 – ahead of Assembly elections – had inaugurated 1,020-car capacity underground multi-level parking lot in a hurry even before the structure was completed.

“I am scheduled to take a round of the Parking lot at Parade Ground on Monday. The officers have informed me that construction is complete. The inauguration date will be fixed after my inspection,” the Mayor said.

The Parade Ground multi-level underground parking, constructed at a cost of Rs 52 crore will cater to more than 700 cars.