Trichy Corporation Completes New Car Parking Facility for Rockfort Temple Devotees
The Trichy Corporation has finished building a special parking space. This facility is only for cars belonging to devotees who visit the famous Rockfort Thayumanaswamy and Ucchi Pillayar temple complex. The local council will soon decide on parking tariffs and pass a formal resolution. However, some residents living near the Rockfort hillock have raised concerns. They worry about the narrow approach road leading to the new parking lot.
Details of the New Parking Space
Officials developed the parking area on approximately 30,000 square feet of land. This land is located on Thayumanavar Street near Sarukkuparai. Sarukkuparai serves as one of the main entry points to the hillock. The corporation demolished an old and unused toilet complex to clear the space for the parking lot.
A corporation official provided more information. He said the parking lot can accommodate around 50 to 60 cars at a time. Toilets are available for drivers using the facility. The official explained the land was originally allotted for a toilet complex. However, it remained underutilized because nearby houses already have their own individual toilets. Therefore, the corporation decided to use the available land for car parking instead.
Location and Access Points
The new parking lot sits about 300 meters away from the temple's main entry gate. Cars can reach the facility via East Andar Street and Babu Road. Previously, visitors to the Rockfort temple did not have a dedicated car parking space. They often parked their vehicles on narrow residential streets. This practice frequently led to arguments and conflicts between local residents and tourists.
Mixed Reactions from Local Residents
While many locals welcome the new parking project, some express doubts. Their main concern revolves around the narrow access road leading to the parking lot. T Muthukumar, a resident of EB Road, shared his thoughts. He pointed out that only one car can use the approach road at any given time. Muthukumar suggested the corporation should appoint a permanent staff member at the parking space. This person would regulate the flow of cars entering and leaving the facility.
The corporation plans to finalize parking fees by the end of this month. They will also identify a contractor to manage the parking lot. Once these steps are complete, cars currently parked on East Andar Street, EB Road, and Thanjavur Kula Street will be redirected to the new dedicated parking space.
