Solan’s new facility to tackle roadside parking

In a move to tackle roadside parking and ease traffic congestion on the Solan-Shimla highway, the construction of a new parking facility has begun at Saproon Chowk in Solan. The project, expected to be completed in two months, will provide space for at least 40 vehicles.

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“A sum of about Rs 11 lakh is being incurred on creating this parking, which will offer a dedicated space for motorists to park safely. The foundation stone was recently laid by the Public Works and Health and Family Welfare Minister,” said Rajiv Kaura, ward councillor and former Deputy Mayor. The Solan Municipal Corporation (MC) is executing the work.

Since the area lies along the busy Solan-Shimla highway, improper parking has led to frequent traffic disruptions and accidents. By providing a structured parking facility, the project aims to improve road safety and traffic flow. Additionally, it will generate revenue for the civic body through parking charges.

Additional parking facilities

Recognising the rising population and increasing number of vehicles in Solan, the MC is also working on two other parking projects. One is near the Municipal Corporation office, and the other is on land recently transferred back from the Youth Services and Sports Department.

“A sum of Rs 1.25 crore has been secured from the state government for these projects after the land exchange was completed. Around 420 sq m of land near the MC office has been selected for construction,” informed Usha Sharma, Mayor of the Solan MC.

Persistent efforts by the MC staff led to the acquisition of funds from the state government for these projects, which are essential for addressing the city’s growing parking needs.

Railway station parking project revived

Another long-pending parking project near the railway station is also being revived. Due to a lack of funds, the project had been stalled for years. However, Rs 50 lakh has now been allocated to BSNL, which is executing the project.

Most of the work is nearing completion, except for a connecting platform to link it to the road. “The case will soon be taken up with railway authorities to resolve the final hurdle and complete the platform construction,” said Sharma.

For years, the Solan Municipal Corporation faced criticism for neglecting parking issues. With these initiatives, the civic body aims to improve infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion in the city.