The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is likely to inaugurate its new multilevel shuttle car parking facility at M Block Market in Greater Kailash I by the end of this month. While civil and electrical works are complete, the civic body is waiting for permission from the forest department to remove 18 trees to clear access for emergency vehicles, a TOI report stated.
“These trees, located along the periphery of the parking area, need to be removed to create a 6-metre space for the movement of emergency vehicles, in accordance with building norms,” said an MCD official. “After clearing the trees, the fire services no-objection will be sought.”
The tree removal clearance is expected within a week. The MCD has already received anticipatory approval from fire services, which allowed construction to continue despite the pending green clearance.
Facility details and parking capacity
The parking structure has been built on a 2,240 square metre plot with a total project cost of ₹63.7 crore. The building includes a ground level and eight upper floors. It has a total capacity of 399 cars.
The parking uses an automated shuttle system, also known as robo parking. It relies on machines and robotic systems to park and retrieve vehicles. The facility is fully automatic, equipped with four lifts, and requires no manual operations.
Project delays and residents’ concerns
Work on the project started in March 2022 with an 18-month deadline. However, the project missed its deadline and work extended beyond September 2023.
“The footfall at the market is heavy most of the time. It is common to see many vehicles parked on the roadsides, leading to inconvenience to others,” said a local resident. The parking structure was built on part of the surface parking area to ease congestion.
Due to the delay, local shopkeepers have requested that space be made available for limited vehicle parking until the facility is operational.
Operation and revenue model
Under the agreement, the concessionaire building the facility will operate and maintain the automated parking system for 10 years. It will transfer 70% of the parking fee collections to MCD during this period.
The civic body said stack and puzzle parking systems can hold more vehicles in less space than traditional parking lots. Such facilities can also be developed faster and at a lower cost. In these models, the contractor can operate the site for a minimum of one year even before handing it over fully.
Source: The Economic Times
