‘Park and Ride’ found few takers, Metro gained many

With barely 1,000 private vehicles using the sprawling ‘Park and Ride’ facility on Thursday, the Safdarjung Airport premises remained highly under-utilised during the Commonwealth Games, specially the opening and closing ceremonies.

With barely 1,000 private vehicles using the sprawling ‘Park and Ride’ facility on Thursday, the Safdarjung Airport premises remained highly under-utilised during the Commonwealth Games, specially the opening and closing ceremonies.

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Spread over 17,000 sq metres to accommodate 3,000 cars, 6,000 two-wheelers and 450 buses, the temporary yet dedicated parking was built in just 10 months for Rs 40 crore.

Spectators coming to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were expected to park their private vehicles and take a ride on the special buses shuttling between the stadium and the facility.

On Thursday evening, when more than 50,000 spectators thronged the stadium for the closing ceremony, there were only approximately 1,000 vehicles, according to the sources who maintained data at the facility.

“Most of the people seemed to have chosen the Metro instead of bringing their own vehicles. The number of vehicles that have come here today is even less then that on the opening day,” said an official posted at the entrance of the parking, wishing to remain anonymous, as he is not authorised to speak with media.

Officials said the portion of the runway that was used for parking place would be restored to its original condition after the Games even as the Delhi Transport Corporation would use the pavers.

The project site has utilities such as public information centre, security chamber, separate waiting hall for public and crew, frisking hall and public conveniences.