Novel idea for parking in Koramangala

Novel idea for parking in Koramangala
An open space under a high-tension power line will be converted into a parking space. This is a first-of-its-kind joint initiative between the BBMP and traffic police. Leena Mudbidri reports


With the city's roads burgeoning with traffic and drivers parking their vehicles in every available space possible, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has to keep its nose to the grindstone in solving the parking problems. Numerous large public spaces have been identified along with playgrounds to provide for spacious parking.
The expansive area at the Koramangala Industrial Layout in fifth block has been started as a pilot project along with support from the Adugodi Traffic Police. Police officials laud the enthusiasm of the BBMP in taking the project forward.
Citing the reasons for zeroing in on Koramangala initially, ACP Adugodi Traffic Police Station, Ravindra Prasad, said that with that particular neighbourhood choc-o-block with software companies, hotels and shopping centres, there was a dire need to prevent vehicles from being parked haphazardly on narrow streets and by-lanes inconveniencing pedestrians and other passing traffic.
The area that has been earmarked for this parking lot falls directly under the high tension wires and hence this space had been lying vacant for months. When the work on this 700 feet long and 45 feet wide area is completed, the parking lot will be able to accommodate a whopping 600 four-wheelers and 2,000 two-wheelers, according to a senior official of BBMP.
Levelling of the ground is being carried out currently and asphalting should soon follow. The open drain which passes through this space has been fully covered with concrete blocks. The trees lining the parking lot will not be felled and have been included in the blueprint. In fact, a senior police official points out, that more greenery will be added between lanes once the laning work starts. Proper lighting to ensure safety is another feature to be added on. Also, since the parking space is right below the high-tension wire, a safety canopy will be put in place to prevent mishaps especially during the monsoon.
Banking on the success of this project which is scheduled for completion in six months, the BBMP will be well on its way to also implementing the use of open spaces like playgrounds for basement parking.