Greater Chennai Corporation Plans to Build 10 More Multi-level Parkings
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced its plans to construct ten additional multi-level parking (MLP) facilities in the city. This decision was made during a recent corporation council meeting, with the project estimated to cost ₹162 crore. In the first phase of the project, the MLPs will be developed in commercial complexes located in RA Puram 3rd Cross Street, CP Ramasamy Road, Thyagaraya Road, and NSK Salai in Kodambakkam.
To ensure the success of this initiative, Chennai Smart City Limited has appointed Jones Lang LaSalle Property Consultants and CBRE South Asia Private Limited to conduct a detailed feasibility report. This report will assess factors such as land availability, access road connectivity, traffic intensity, and economic activity.
The initial phase of MLP construction will provide 600 four-wheeler parking spaces, and the goal is to eventually expand the capacity to over 2,000 slots. This expansion aims to address the growing demand for parking facilities in the city.
To avoid the shortcomings experienced with a previous MLP constructed in T Nagar, the GCC has expressed its commitment to improved coordination with the traffic police. Deputy Commissioner Vishu Mahajan emphasized the need to reduce on-street parking in areas with MLPs and prevent unauthorized roadside parking. The contract for existing on-street parking facilities will also come to an end soon.
While the rates for the new MLPs are yet to be finalized, the T Nagar MLP currently charges ₹20 per hour. Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar stated that the project will commence once the government releases the necessary funds.
Experts have highlighted the importance of the GCC controlling on-street parking and imposing higher fees. Shreya Gadepalli, a transport expert and founder of UrbanWorks, suggested that instead of investing public funds into expensive parking structures, the corporation should use the revenue generated from on-street parking to improve footpaths and public spaces.
In conclusion, the Greater Chennai Corporation’s decision to build ten more multi-level parking facilities is a step towards addressing the parking issues faced by the city. By expanding parking capacity and curbing on-street parking, it aims to provide a convenient and efficient parking solution for residents and visitors. With the collaboration of various stakeholders and the implementation of strategic measures, the GCC hopes to better manage parking in Chennai and enhance overall urban mobility.
