Chandigarh Transport Body Proposes Flexible Parking Rates to Boost Truck Facility Use
Chandigarh's Transport Association has put forward a significant proposal to revitalize the idle truck parking facility in Sector 26. During a review meeting with Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar on Tuesday, association members suggested introducing both 12-hour and 24-hour parking options with rationalized rates. They aim to improve utilization of the underused facility.
Current Rate Structure Causes Under-Utilization
The association informed the commissioner that the existing 24-hour parking rate structure, combined with an annual 10 percent hike, has led to poor occupancy. Many transporters hesitate to use the facility due to high charges. Members proposed a flexible 12-hour parking option alongside the 24-hour system. This move would make parking more affordable and encourage greater use by truck operators.
Multiple Infrastructure Issues Highlighted
During the meeting, office-bearers raised several long-pending civic and infrastructure concerns. They noted that road re-carpeting in the Transport Area last occurred in 2018 and 2021. Since then, internal roads have deteriorated significantly, causing inconvenience for heavy vehicles. The association urged immediate re-carpeting and strengthening of these roads to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
Association president J S Gill drew attention to the poor condition of the night shelter at the Idle Truck Parking area. He stated the facility urgently requires repair and renovation to become fully functional. Gill demanded basic amenities for truck drivers and helpers, including proper bedding, adequate ventilation, open sitting space, kitchen arrangements, fans, and coolers.
Additional Demands for Improvement
The association also sought construction of four rain shelters within the parking area. They emphasized that lack of shade causes severe inconvenience during extreme weather conditions. To address security concerns and curb theft incidents, members demanded concertina fencing on the boundary wall and installation of CCTV cameras across the entire area.
Further demands included:
- Construction of a labour hostel on reserved land
- Development of vacant booth spaces
- Strengthening of storm water drainage and sewer lines
- Development of green belts and open gyms
- Installation of additional street lights and high-mast lighting
- Early operationalisation of the currently non-functional weighbridge
Members pointed out that frequent blockages and increased demand have worsened the drainage situation in recent years.
Action Against Encroachments Demanded
The Transport Association raised concerns about illegal vendors operating in the Transport Area. They also highlighted an unauthorized entry point towards Bapudham Colony. The association demanded strict action against these encroachments and closure of the illegal access route to maintain order and security in the area.
Municipal Commissioner Assures Cooperation
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar assured full cooperation during the meeting. He stated that all genuine issues raised by the association would be examined in detail. Kumar added that necessary directions would be issued to concerned departments to resolve the problems in a time-bound manner, indicating potential progress on these long-standing concerns.
