The Times of India                   04.03.2013

7 parking lots to come up in congested areas

NOIDA: After several failed campaigns against unauthorized parking across the city, Noida Authority has finally decided to tackle the problem by providing designated spots at some of the most congested areas. The Authority has now invited bids for construction of parking lots at seven spots across the city.

The places where the Authority has decided to construct the parking lots include Sector 6, near the Noida Authority office, Sector 2 industrial area, Sector 28 market, Sector 30 Ambedkar hospital, Sector 62, Sector 27 near Vinayak Hospital and Sector 110 market.

The tenders will be finalized by March 8. The proposal for the parking lots has been floated under the Authority's new parking policy being implemented jointly by the Authority and traffic police. The new policy entails stricter norms for implementing checks against unauthorized parking as well as for auctioning of parking spaces to ensure adherence and maintenance.

"As per the new policy implemented in October last year, a survey was conducted to identify those areas that witness heavy vehicular movement and remain congested through the day. Designated parking spots in these areas will also help in curbing unauthorized parking and in regulating traffic movement," said a senior Noida Authority official.

"Besides, under the new policy, the Authority has also formulated stricter norms for implementing checks against unauthorized parking and for auctioning of parking spaces. As there is shortage of space, the new policy focuses on traffic management and on ensuring that residents do not encroach upon public spaces. The Authority and the traffic department will conduct regular drives against unauthorized parking and all offenders will be penalized," he said.

Meanwhile, the deadline for construction of the much-delayed multi-level parking lot in Sector 18 has been postponed yet again. While the project has been in the pipeline since 2006, the Authority had decided to finally begin construction on the multi-level parking that will accommodate 4,000 vehicles in November last year. However, tender proceedings for the project are yet to be wrapped up.