Army snubs BCC parking plan, objects to lot along walls

Army snubs BCC parking plan, objects to lot along walls
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Army has turned down the Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) proposal to construct an underground car-parking facility beneath the Manekshaw Parade ground and has asked BCC to bar parking along boundary walls of defence establishments in the city.

To overcome the parking problem on the busy MG Road and surrounding areas, the civic agency had asked the Army to allow 30 per cent of the ground for parking. In case the Army requires the entire ground all time, BCC had suggested construction of basement parking to accommodate 700 cars.

As per BCC’s proposal, to build a basement to hold 250 cars would cost around Rs six crore and one for 700 would cost Rs 21 crore.

While the revenue collected from parking would go to the Army, the plan would have helped the civic agency ease congestion on MG Road, Brigade Road and other roads, where vehicles are presently parked.

‘‘The Army has turned down the proposal on security grounds,’’ BCC Commissioner Jothiramalingam told this paper. ‘‘We are now examining the possibility of a basement parking beneath Cariappa Park, without harming trees,’’ he added.

Once the Corporation feels the project is feasible they will formally submit a proposal to the Army Sub-Area Officers, who will take a final decision.

Apart from shooting down the BCC’s plans, the army officers have also asked the civic agency not to allow parking of civilian vehicles along the boundary walls of military establishments.

Sources said during the recent Civil-Military Liaison conference in the city, army officers took objection to the BCC’s decision to allow parking along boundary wall of Supply Depot on K. Kamaraj Road and Main Guard Road.

According to army officers, parking along the ASC Supply Depot wall is a security hazard. Following the Army’s request, the Chief Secretary has directed BCC not to allow parking along the walls of military establishments.