Rs10 crore parking complex falls short on usage, faces financial challenges

Once envisioned as a key solution to Phagwara’s urban traffic congestion, the city’s Rs 10-crore multi-storey parking complex now stands as a glaring example of civic apathy and administrative neglect.

Despite being inaugurated with much fanfare on June 15, 2018, by then Punjab Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, the facility has failed to live up to its promises nearly seven years later.

Constructed by the Phagwara Municipal Corporation (MC) to provide structured parking and ease vehicular chaos in the city center, the complex is now plagued by underutilization, poor maintenance, and financial unsustainability. During a recent visit by The Tribune, only 20 cars were found parked, against the facility’s capacity of over 250 vehicles.

Municipal Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta, speaking to The Tribune, explained that revised parking rates were introduced on April 21 in an effort to increase usage. The current tariff stands at Rs 20 for two-wheelers and Rs 50 for four-wheelers for the first four hours, with incremental charges thereafter. Monthly passes are also available, ranging from Rs 500 for two-wheelers to Rs 2,000 for four-wheelers, depending on vehicle type and usage duration.

However, despite these competitive rates, public response has remained tepid. The facility generates a mere Rs 90,000 per month—far short of the Rs 2.5 lakh salary bill for the six on-site employees. This stark revenue-expenditure gap has raised serious concerns about the project’s economic viability.

A ground report revealed several barriers to public usage. The elevator, crucial for senior citizens and disabled users, has been non-functional since installation. Sanitation facilities are unhygienic and the generator—intended to provide power backup—has been out of service for years. Garbage was found strewn across all three floors, further discouraging potential users.

Local residents and shopkeepers attribute the facility’s failure to a lack of cleanliness, safety, and public awareness. An on-duty employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that political interference and misuse by senior officials often allow vehicles to be parked without charge, contributing to revenue loss.

Security concerns also loom large. With no surveillance or personnel present during night hours, the complex remains vulnerable, especially amid rising crime rates. Additionally, there is no system in place to screen vehicles, raising fears it could be misused for illicit activities.

Senior citizens have expressed frustration over the difficulty of accessing higher levels without an operational lift. “It’s humiliating and dangerous to climb up with no support or security,” said a local resident.

Despite repeated visits by Assistant Commissioner Anit Bansal and Chief Sanitary Inspector Ajay Kumar, there has been little visible improvement. Former employees have reportedly been suspended for alleged corrupt practices, but no long-term accountability measures have been enforced.

Political leaders have also weighed in. Former Mayor Arun Khosla claimed that the project was initiated through the efforts of former Union Minister Som Parkash but was hurriedly inaugurated by Minister Sidhu. Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal criticised successive municipal administrations—both political and bureaucratic—for neglecting the facility, calling it a “white elephant” for the civic body.

The situation has raised serious questions about infrastructure planning and post-completion monitoring by urban local bodies. Experts emphasise that building such facilities is not enough; a sustainable operational framework and continued public engagement are essential for long-term success.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta has assured corrective action. “We are committed to improving the facility and making it functional for the people of Phagwara. All necessary steps will be taken to restore it to its intended purpose,” she said.

For now, citizens hope that the civic authorities will rise to the occasion before the project becomes a total loss.