Indian Express 04.06.2010
Manimajra motor market revamp project yet to take off
Express News Service Tags : corporation, projects Posted: Fri Jun 04 2010, 00:34 hrs
Chandigarh: The motor market in Manimajra is still awaiting renovation even two years after the proposal was passed by the Municipal Corporation. From provisions of parking lots to raised platforms, a detailed proposal had been prepared but no progress can seen on the ground level. Lack of adequate parking space and haphazardly parked vehicles greet visitors.The civic body had prepared a budget of Rs 5.37 crore for the area’s upgradation. Roadside mechanics were to be given licences, raised platforms were to be built to facilitate repair of vehicles. A washing platform, aprons for workers and the provision of servicing of vehicles were to be provided.
B S Makol, president of the Motor Market Association, says that while elaborate plans were made, no action can be seen on the site. “The shopowners are functioning in pitiable conditions. The number of mechanics has increased over the years. There is barely any parking space for our own vehicles. Despite being one of Asia's biggest motor markets, it is completely neglected,” he says
Shopowners say trucks frequent the area and having paver blocks instead of concrete flooring would last longer. At some places, the flooring has sunk in and is barely visible.
Former mayor Pardeep Chhabra ,during whose tenure the project was initiated, says that while they had approved a budget for the work, it has not taken off. He adds, “The proposals were mooted with the aim of providing facilities for the mechanics at the market. However, there is no change in their condition. The civic body needs to take action at the earliest.”
