The Times of India 17.08.2012
Civic body to set up multi-level parking facility at Thampanoor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city corporation has finalized a proposal for setting up a multi-level parking
facility at Thampanoor. The work on the project, to be implemented in
cooperation with the state government, is expected to be launched by
December, officials said. "We have already held talks with the
state government in this regard. The project has been included in the
list of schemes to be implemented under the 12th five year plan," said Thampanoor councilor R Harikumar.
The corporation has set aside Rs 50 lakh from this year's plan fund for
the project. Officials said that the corporation will undertake the
project on a 'build, operate and transfer' (BOT) mode. "It will be a
five-storey parking facility. Although parking will be our first
priority, we will also look at other options like setting up small
shopping centres within the building. This could turn out to be an
additional source of income for the corporation," said deputy mayor G
Happy Kumar.
The project proposal will now be sent to the chief
town planner (CTP) to effect necessary changes with regard to space
requirements and land area. "Once it is approved by the CTP, the
corporation will initiate the tendering process. We are looking at
expert private builders to undertake the scheme," added Happy Kumar.
The present parking area at Thampanoor was handed over to the
corporation by the railways in return for a building near the railway
station. "While handing over the land, the railways had allotted Rs 1.25
crore for setting up a good parking facility there. However, the city
corporation could not utilize the funds according to plans since it had
to be diverted for other purposes. With the city's main railway station
and bus station both located at Thampanoor, it is essential to have a
multi-storey parking facility there. The corporation will take steps to
get the project rolling at the earliest," said Harikumar.The initial estimate of the project will be jointly met by the corporation and the state government.
