Chandigarh's Sector 17 Set for Major Parking Infrastructure Overhaul
In a significant development for Chandigarh's bustling commercial hub, the municipal corporation is gearing up to construct two new underground multi-level car parks in Sector 17. This ambitious project promises to add nearly 10,000 square meters of much-needed parking space, addressing the acute shortage that has plagued the area for years.
Approved Plans and Project Timeline
The UT urban planning department has already approved detailed drawings for both underground facilities. Currently, the civic body is working on finalizing cost estimates, which will be submitted to the MC general house for approval. According to an MC official, "After the nod from the MC house, the tendering process will take another three months. Following allotment of work, the project will take another year for construction."
Demolition and Reconstruction Strategy
The two existing multi-level car parks selected for reconstruction include one near the DC office in front of the 30-Bays Building and another near the BSNL building. Notably, a third underground car park that is also shut was not included in the current plan.
As per the official plan, "The existing car parks will be demolished and constructed from the foundation up. The total plan area is 5,000 sq m in the two car parks. Total of 2,000 sq m is in the BSNL car park and around 3,000 sq m is in the car park near the DC office. The total parking to be created will be around 10,000 sq m."
Parking Capacity and Design Features
The new structures will feature:
- Surface parking for two-wheelers
- Two underground levels for car parking
- Approximately 200 equivalent car spaces (ECS) at the DC office site
- Around 120 ECS at the BSNL site
The urban planning department has provided specifications for entry and exit points, setbacks, internal design, and structural aspects of the parking areas.
Safety Concerns Driving Reconstruction
The decision to demolish and rebuild stems from serious safety concerns identified in a structural audit conducted by IIT Roorkee. Constructed nearly five decades ago, these underground lots were closed following the audit. The official explained, "The car parks can't be repaired and have to be demolished because of structural safety issues, as highlighted by the IIT report."
Current Parking Situation in Sector 17
Currently, only one multi-level underground car park remains operational in Sector 17. "Usage of the car park has increased over the years. It is surface plus three underground level parking. The surface level and the two underground levels are being used at 50% to 90% occupancy, but the third level is still to be optimally utilised," noted the official.
Administrative Push for Parking Solutions
The MC and administration fast-tracked planning for the reconstruction following intervention by UT chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad. In a recent meeting of senior UT officials, the chief secretary emphasized optimal utilization of unused underground parking locations across the city. He specifically directed the MC commissioner to ensure full utilization of the existing operational multi-level underground car park in the sector.
Earlier this month, deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav conducted an on-site review of parking issues in the commercial area and issued directions for improved use of underground car parks.
Parallel Project in Sector 8
In a related development, the MC has engaged the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) to study and submit structural stability designs for a complete revamp of the existing Sector 8 underground car park. According to an official, "The surface of the car park is to be used for parking, and the structural stability design will examine this. The NITTTR is likely to submit the report in one month. Civic work contract of the work has already been awarded."
The Sector 8C car park features surface plus one underground level, with surface primarily used for two-wheelers and the underground level for cars. After revamp, the underground car park is expected to accommodate around 50 cars.
Key Project Highlights
- UT urban planning department has approved detailed drawings for both upcoming facilities
- MC currently working on cost estimates for submission to MC general house
- Three-month tendering process followed by one year of construction after approval
- New structures will include two underground levels and surface parking for two-wheelers
- Parking capacity planned: 200 ECS at DC office site and 120 ECS at BSNL site
- Only one multi-level underground car park currently operational in Sector 17
- UT chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad pushed for fast-tracking plans
- DC Nishant Kumar Yadav conducted on-site review and directed improved parking utilization
This comprehensive parking infrastructure project represents a significant step toward resolving Chandigarh's persistent parking challenges in its key commercial district, with careful planning and safety considerations guiding the reconstruction efforts.
