Shimla to get 23 new parking lots to ease vehicle congestion

The Municipal Corporation of Shimla is set to address the town’s parking woes by constructing 23 new parking lots across various wards, with a combined capacity of approximately 1,000 vehicles. Locations selected for these parking facilities include Sanjauli, Bhattakufar, Kasumpti, Tutikandi, Boileauganj, Vikasnagar, and Chotta Shimla, among others.

Mayor Surender Chauhan revealed that a proposal seeking funds for the project has been sent to the state government. The construction work will commence once the budget is approved. The state government is expected to cover 75% of the costs, with the remaining 25% to be funded by the Municipal Corporation.

The initiative follows a directive from the Public Works Minister, who urged the corporation to propose solutions for the town’s parking challenges. Mayor Chauhan expressed optimism that the new parking facilities would alleviate difficulties faced by residents and visitors in finding parking spaces.

In addition to these 23 parking lots, four multi-storeyed parking complexes with a capacity to accommodate around 2,000 vehicles are nearing completion. These include facilities near Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Chhota Shimla, Vikasnagar, and the Auckland tunnel.

This significant expansion in parking infrastructure is expected to streamline traffic management and enhance convenience for the town’s residents and tourists.