Multi-level parking still a dream

Multi-level parking still a dream


Techies who have been to abroad insist multi-level parking is the ideal solution to end parking chaos in the city. Babus when they return from foreign pleasure trips speak highly about it and the ministers too promise to deliver. But the tragic irony is: Bangalore has failed to get its first automated multi-level public parking lot!
In 2002-03, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) mooted the idea of having automated parking slots to unclog Gandhinagar, Russell Market in Shivajinagar and the M G Road-Brigade Road Junction in the central part of the city. The BBMP had proposed to construct a four-storey car park on a land measuring 70x41 metres with a total capacity to accommodate 384 cars. A vertical lift was to be installed on the ground floor to carry the vehicles to different floors. The operations were to be fully computerised. But the project collapsed because the parking contractors lobby who were making lakhs of rupees by colluding with officials under the non-computerised system, vehemently countered the plan.
PROS
Can accommodate more vehicles Dense parking since the ceiling height is low Reduces space width Less utility costs since no ventilation is required Eliminates stairs, elevators and fire exits Computerisation allows vehicle security
CONS
High operation and maintenance cost Many structural and functional types of automated mechanical systems Underground systems likely to be affected Might spoil the beauty of neighbouring buildings