The Indian Express 15.03.2013
Multi-level parking planned at CGO Complex
In order to solve the parking woes at CGO Complex on Lodhi Road, where several government and public-sector undertaking offices are located, the Urban Development Ministry has proposed the construction of a multi-level parking lot at the complex.
The proposal has been sent for Cabinet approval and is presently being scrutinised by the the financial committee, officials of Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said.
"We are thinking of renting space to two restaurants, each with a 100-plus seating capacity, and some shops, which will help us raise funds. While government-owned vehicles will be allowed to park for free, private vehicles will have to pay a parking fee. The parking site will be located within the complex," the official said.
The CGO complex presently sees bumper-to-bumper parking and is congested throughout office hours.
"With the number of vehicles coming to CGO Complex increasing substantially over the years, constructing a multi-level parking is the only way out. We have suggested alternative funding options such as creating commercial spaces to fund this project,'' the official said.
"Randomly parked vehicles along the roads leading to CGO Complex not only bring traffic to a crawl during peak hours, but also pose a security hazard. Once the parking facility comes up, these issues will be addressed," the official said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is contemplating a comprehensive law to address the parking issue in the city.
"A legislation is needed to check illegal parking. The number of vehicles that are being added to the roads is disproportionate to the land available for parking. Initiatives like encouraging the use of public transport, increasing tax on vehicle registration and parking fees and even the proposal to introduce congestion tax in Metros have not been able to check the rise in the number of private vehicles. It is, therefore, imperative to come up with alternatives," the official said.
