Multi-level parking set to ease Chandni Chowk woes

New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s much-awaited multi-level parking lot at Chandni Chowk hasbecome fully operational.While the facility, with an estimated parking space for 2,238 vehicles, is yet to be inaugurated, at least 1,000 vehicles have already started getting parked there. Constructed on a PPP mode, the parking facility is currently run by the concessionaire that has constructed the complex. After two years, 75% of the facility will be transferred to MCD.“We are expecting the parking lot to be inaugurated formally this month. However, due to an increasing demand, the site has been opened for the public,” an official said. The paid monthly parking from Church Mission Road has also been shifted to this location to reduce congestion. The civic body claims to have carried out a drive against illegal parking along the boundary wall and on roads adjoining the parking lot. “The area sees a huge footfall and, thus, parking of vehicles in an organised manner is the key. Now that we have a new facility in place, all efforts will be made to curb illegal parking in the area through multiple drives,” the official said. The six-storey parking lot has been built at what was earlier called Gandhi Maidan by a private builder (Omaxe) and spreads over 4.5 acres. Of the six levels, three are underground. One floor is reserved for commercial activities. The facility will play a major role in decongesting Chawri Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Khari Baoli, Nai Sadak and Dariba Kala. The complex is equipped with modern facilities, such as CCTV, lifts and a fire-fighting system. An attempt has been made to keep the heritage look of Old Delhi alive.The project, conceived in 2013, has been long delayed and breached several deadlines. This had led to the erstwhile north corporation being pulled up by a city court in 2018. Meanwhile, trial runs for a multilevel parking lot at Qutab Road have also begun. At least 174 vehicles can be parked there. “People of the neighbouring areas have already started using the facility,” the official said.Other projects for constructing a stack parking at Nigambodh Ghat and a multilevel lot at Amar Colony are also reaching completion. “Both projects will be completed this month and opened for the public soon. The Nigambodh facility can accommodate 95 vehicles. The Amar Colony lot will cater to around 80 vehicles,” the official added.The Amar Colony facility will help decongest the market area. It has been set up next to the community centre and spans three floors with facilities, such as toilets, a control room and a rainwater harvesting system.