Multi-level parking, multiple problems

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 19

Open defecation, leakage of rainwater and non-functioning lights and lifts are among some of the major problems being faced at the city’s first multi-level parking in Sector 17 that was constructed at a cost of around Rs 50 crore.

Those visiting the multi-level parking said lack of facilities was one of the major reasons for its failure to attract motorists.

According to the terms and conditions of the agreement executed with the Mumbai-based company, Arya Toll Infra Limited, which is looking after the “smart” parking lots in the city, managing the multi-level parking without any profit is also its responsibility. The company is depositing all earnings from the parking with the MC.

The third floor of the multi-level parking is full of filth and is being used freely for defecation. While the city has been declared open defecation-free, the situation at the multi-level parking is pathetic.

The stink makes it difficult to stay on the third floor, which remains mostly vacant. Sources said as there was no provision for toilets inside the multi-level parking, people used the vacant space for the purpose. A majority of the lifts at the parking are also not working. The MC had introduced  e-rickshaws to ferry people  who park their vehicles at the lot, but these are missing now. More than 30 per cent lights  inside the parking are not working. 

Jagdish Pal Kalra, a trader, said it was difficult to locate the vehicle in the dark. Besides, they also felt insecure while entering the multi-level parking  in the darkness. He said without providing a sense of security, no one would use the parking. A woman, who runs a shop in Sector 17, said the parking was deserted in the evening, so she preferred to use the other parking lot despite the fact that the  rates were higher in the other parking. 

Sandeep Vohra, project director, Arya Toll Infra Ltd, said the maintenance and sanitation were the responsibility of the civic body. He said though they were running in losses in the multi-level parking, they were bound by the agreement to run the parking. He said there were no toilets in the parking and the issue had already been raised before the MC. Neeraj Bajaj, president of the Chandigarh Business Council, said traders wanted to use the parking, but they feared going inside after evening due to darkness. Tejdeep Singh Saini, Joint Commissioner, MC, said he would look at all issues soon. He said the MC had already served a notice on the firm to recover the electricity charges. 

Multi-level parking

• Total area 4.8 acres  
• Project cost Rs 50 crore
• Parking capacity 931
• vehicles  Number of levels 4  
• No of lifts 8