The Times of India            19.11.2010

Change in original map delayed parking project

JAIPUR: Seven months after UDH minister Shanti Dhariwal laid the foundation stone of the mechanised parking slot for Ashoka Marg at a much-publicised event, work is yet to begin on it.
The reason, sources alleged, is the change in the JMC and UDH approved original plan and map by a private developer to suit its own commercial interests. The JMC now has asked the private firm to work as per the original plan and maps or the contract could be scrapped within a week.

In April, foundation stone for the project was laid at three places, including Ramleela Ground and Mall 21 with a promise to build mechanised parking slots that could handle at least 3,000 vehicles.

Project in-charge, JMC Anil Singhal told TOI that the work will begin in a week or two and the private firm has been asked to re-work on some technical issues before the work could actually begin. "We have asked them to stick to the map approved by us and do the needful," he said. However, he denied giving any ultimatum to the firm.

Of the three projects, the Ashoka Marg slot was expected to be completed at the earliest. Now as it stands, it would take another two years for completion even if the work takes off this month. For several months after the foundation was laid, the land around the site was not handed over to the private party which also delayed the project.

JMC sources said there had been some technical issues involved in land transfer despite the land being owned by the government. TOI has learnt that its detailed project report under the Jawahar Lal National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was prepared at least 15 months ago. The 'lackadaisical' attitude of the JMC Board delayed the project.

From the three slots which will be developed by private firms under BOT (Built -operate-transfer), JMC will get a one-time payment of Rs 56 crore from the developer, while the firm will get a lease for 30 years from the date of completion of the project. The facility will be developed on a use and pay basis.