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Reconsider vehicle-parking under flyovers: HC to state
The state government was asked to reconsider its decision to ban parking under flyovers in the city.
The state government was asked to reconsider its decision to ban parking under flyovers in the city.
A division bench of chief justice Mohit Shah and justice R S Dalvi of the Bombay high court, while hearing a public interest litigation filed by a Malad-based businessman, Rajbhoj Torane, observed that the parking space would also generate revenue for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
Torane’s petition had challenged a government decision dated July 25 following a meeting held between the chief minister, officials of the MSRTC, joint commissioner of police (Traffic) and the municipal commissioner.
Assistant government pleader Vijay Patil told the court that during the meeting the municipal commissioner had expressed security concerns if parking is allowed under flyovers.
Patil submitted to the court that the space will be used for some other purpose and that this was a conscious decision of the government.
Justice Dalvi, however, pointed out that people also have to park their cars and there should be some provision for alternative parking.
Dalvi also expressed her concern by adding that one of these cars may have a bomb someday.
Appearing for Torane, lawyer Sandesh Patil, argued that the lack of parking space in the city had led to chaos.
He also added that the apprehension of a terror attack was not justified because the threat would prevail as much around any structure including the high court building.
Responding to a question, the lawyer also submitted that about 100-200 vehicles can be parked under each of the 27 flyovers in the city.
The PIL contended that the government may appoint contractors to maintain a paid parking lot under the flyovers.
It further suggests that the government can take adequate security measures by installing CCTVs and conducting surprise checks of parking lots.
The court adjourned the hearing till next month.
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