Cheapest parking facility in city has few takers

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 13

Even two years after the multi-level parking in Sector 17 was inaugurated, a major part of the facility remains vacant as the MC has failed to come up with any concrete plan to ensure its optimum utilisation.

This despite the fact that the parking lot has the cheapest tariff in the city. Rs 2 and Rs 5 are charged for parking of two-wheelers and four-wheelers, respectively, for the first four hours at the multi-level parking while the rates are Rs 10 and Rs 20, respectively, at other paid parking lots.

Of the total three levels, two levels remain mostly vacant. Vehicles are seen parked only on the top level. The parking lot has largely remained empty since its opening in May 2016.

The advanced parking lot was built for a whopping Rs 47.62 crore. As many as 950 cars can be accommodated at the facility at any given time. It is equipped with two computerised ticket counters, automated parking and eight lifts among other features.

“It seems the parking firm, which is managing the lot, and the corporation have failed to make people aware about it. There should be signboards at prominent spots. Most shoppers, who visit the market, have a little idea about the multi-level parking facility let alone the fact that it is the cheapest and has old parking rates,” said Sanjiv Chadha, president, Traders’ Welfare Association, Sector 17.

He said another reason for its lesser use was that people preferred to park vehicles at spaces near the market for their easy accessibility. However, the multi-level parking would certainly attract people if its rates were advertised, Chadha added.

Sandeep Bhora, coordinator of the firm managing the multi-level parking lot in Sector 17, said, “People have a mindset of parking their cars at facilities near showrooms. People are aware of this parking area and rates. However, till a drive against illegally parked vehicles is taken, people would not park their vehicles here.”