Multi-level parkings to miss Games deadline

Tenders for the much-touted multi-level parking projects being undertaken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi have been cancelled, reports Neelam Pandey.

Tenders for the much-touted multi-level parking projects being undertaken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been cancelled.

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These parking lots would have created space for approximately 15,000-20,000 vehicles.

While tenders for the same would be called again shortly, this means the project would be delayed further and would not be ready before the Commonwealth Games 2010.

The city is expecting nearly one lakh visitors during the Games and these parking lots would have helped meet the parking demands.

The cancellation of the tenders now means a total shortage of space for nearly 60,000 vehicles.

The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) and Traffic Police had recently rejected nearly 400 parking lots from the existing 800 (legal and illegal) that would have created space for 40,000 vehicles in the city.

“Tenders for 14 multi-level parking lots were called but the standing committee cancelled it on technical grounds. Tenders will be called again but this means that we will not be able to complete the project before the Commonwealth Games,” said a senior MCD official.

These multi-level parking lots would be coming up in Greater Kailash I, South Extension market, Defence Colony, Shastri Park, among other areas.

However, the legislative wing of the civic agency is certain that the parking project would come up on time.

“The project will be on time. As the games will draw nearer, work will be carried out on a faster pace. Work at Kamla Nagar parking lot will also begin in 10 days’ time,” said Mahender Nagpal, chairman of the works committee of the municipal corporation.