Chandigarh shrinking: MC proposes yet another multi-level parking lot in Sector 17

The structure, proposed at the Gurdev parking lot site, would be a three-storeyed one with basement and surface parking. It will have the capacity to accommodate around 1,000 cars. A civic body official told Newsline that the feasibility of the proposition was being studied. “The idea is to have a three-storeyed basement parking area. There is a need to study the present conditions of the site as it is surrounded by buildings on all sides. The effect of constructing the parking lot on the buildings needs to be studied. Care will have to be taken to see that the earth does not cave in from digging too deep. Once the feasibility study is complete, the final plans will be prepared,” said the official.

The parking situation in the sector is very chaotic at present. With Sector 17 being the shopping hub of the city, it is almost a nightmare when it comes to looking for parking space. Apart from a display board identifying the multi-level parking site, there is no progress on Ground Zero. The project got delayed as electric cables were found at the site once approval for construction was given. The Administration had to complete the work of shifting the cables by December last year but no progress was seen till earlier this year. The site is now said to be handed over within a month, after which construction will begin. According to a recent survey by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES), there is 6,658 ECS (equivalent car space) available in Sector 17, while the need is for nearly 10,074 ECS. The MC aims to cover up the deficit by constructing multi-level parking lots in the area.