MC multi-level parking in a shambles

While broken ramps, lack of proper lighting system, non-functioning lifts and old fire-safety system of the municipal corporation (MC)’s multi-level parking are crying for urgent repair, the proposal for renovation is awaiting nod from the finance and contract committee (F&CC).

The multi-level parking, which is located in Zone A near Mata Rani Chowk, is generally jam-packed with more number of four-wheelers than its actual capacity, but is still called “non-profitable” by the MC.

The seven-storey building of MC’s multi-level building, which was inaugurated in 2000, is waiting endlessly for renovation as vehicles get damaged due to broken paths and ramps. People can be seen arguing with parking staff due ill conditions of the lot parking. Dust and cobwebs welcome visitors as no cleanliness drive is conducted here.

Non-functioning lifts are continuously creating inconvenience as the visitors are forced to use ramps to reach on the floor they have parked their vehicle.

Interestingly, a restaurant on the top floor was inaugurated in 2000, but it is in a pitiable condition as people urinate there. Though the toilet facility is available, they were never cleaned. Even the canteen on ground floor was shut down a long time ago.

Jasdeep Singh, a visitor, said, “I generally park my vehicle here, but broken paths are causing damage. I have no other option to park my vehicle rather than multi-level parking as it is safe. The MC should renovate it as it earns good revenue by charging fee from vehicles parked in the lot.”

Unprofitable parking lot, claims MC

Constructed at a cost of Rs 12.9 crore, the multi-level parking has the capacity of 435 four-wheelers and 620 two-wheelers. It has been learnt that that around 500 four-wheelers are parked at the multi-level parking at one time. Besides, many vehicles enter and exit in the parking lot but income is still low as per the claims of the MC. Sources said more than 2,000 cars were parked there in routine.

“The MC is charging Rs 20 per four-wheeler and Rs 10 per two-wheeler. The multi-level parking lot’s average income is only between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000 per day,” claims Rohit Sahota, superintendent of tehbazari wing.

It raises questions that why income is low as compared to the number of vehicles being parked at the multi-level parking.

Sources said many shopkeepers and residents also park their vehicles, but many of them do not take away their vehicle on the same day. A source said some people do not pay for parking. Recently, the MC gave a list of around 60 cars to the police to take action as vehicles were parked since long.

MC proposes to open 120 shops

Assistant commissioner Satwant Singh said, “There is a proposal to construct around 120 shops at the multi-level parking lot. The paths, ramps, lighting system, lifts, restaurant and canteen will be repaired. The proposal was recently sent to the high authorities.”

He further said there would be only one entry and exit point for vehicles, adding there was also a proposal to install air-conditioners. Besides, there was also a proposal that the vacant space behind the parking lot could be used for parking two-wheelers.

It has been learnt that this proposal needed approval of the F&CC.