In a significant move to tackle the chronic parking shortage in Ludhiana's bustling Old City, the Municipal Corporation (MC) has initiated plans to construct a new multi-storey parking facility. This project will replace the old and dilapidated parking structure near Mata Rani Chowk, aiming to provide a much-needed solution for commuters and shopkeepers alike.
Project Details and Private Partnership
The Ludhiana MC has engaged a private firm to prepare a comprehensive project report. This plan includes the reconstruction of the zonal office building alongside the new multi-level car park. A presentation by the firm is expected in the coming week, after which officials will proceed with final planning and approvals. The collaborative approach allows officials to identify and rectify potential issues before construction begins.
Superintending Engineer of the MC, Sham Lal Gupta, stated, "The private company will come for a presentation in the coming days and we will take a decision after that. If everything goes according to the plan, then we will go ahead with the work." He highlighted the project's financial model, noting, "This project is very important because the civic body will not have to spend anything while people will get a parking lot."
From Old Facility to Modern Infrastructure
The existing parking lot, built in August 2000, is a seven-storey structure with a capacity for 1,000 cars. However, it has underperformed, with the contractor reporting a maximum of only 500 cars parked even during peak season. An earlier proposal to open a restaurant on the terrace for additional revenue never materialized.
The new proposal is far more ambitious. The private firm has proposed a facility with space for at least 2,700 cars, more than doubling the current capacity. The entire site, encompassing the MC office and parking area, spans approximately three acres. As part of the deal, the firm will also renovate the zonal office and hand it back to the MC, potentially transforming it into a corporate-style office. In return, the firm will manage the parking floors and operate them to provide better public facilities.
Addressing Old City's Parking Crisis
The urgency for this project stems from the severe parking deficit in the Old City area, which houses numerous famous wholesale markets. The congestion affects everyone:
- Commuters visiting the markets face immense difficulty.
- Shopkeepers are consistently harassed by the lack of parking space for customers.
Currently, parking options are severely limited. They include:
- The old MC multi-storey parking at Mata Rani Chowk.
- Parking in the Books Market maintained by the zila parishad.
- A small parking area in the Pink Plaza market.
- Some space in buildings of old cinema halls that have residences.
With more than 25 different types of markets clustered together, starting from Chaura Bazaar, the need for a systematic, large-scale parking solution has been a long-standing demand. The new multi-storey parking project promises to be a critical step in decongesting the area and supporting the vibrant commercial activity that defines Ludhiana's Old City.
