December 02, 2008

DMRC plans multi level parking at metro stations

ET reported that, in an attempt to make Metro more passengers friendly, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is now planning to construct multi level parking lots at its stations. The move comes after secretary of union ministry of urban development said that to promote public transport, Delhi Metro must provide adequate parking space for its commuters.

Mr Anuj Dayal chief spokesperson of DMRC said that "The plans for the first multi level parking lot on the airport express line are still being finalized, as this was not a part of the detailed project report of the line. After this, the tendering process will start. The airport line will be integrated with other modes of commute, including the Indian Railways, existing Delhi Metro network, buses and private cars."

Mr Dayal added that "The elevated lots will have parking capacity of about 350 cars and will be constructed by DMRC. The operation and maintenance will be contracted to a private body."

The parking lot building will have two underground levels, the lower basement will have the platforms, while the concourse, check in facilities and airline counters will be housed in the upper basement. The entry or exit for commuters using the Metro line along with a drop off point for those coming in private vehicles will be created at the ground level. The top seven floors, according to the plan, will be parking lots. It will come up across a 9,000 square meter area.

The other major metro station on the Airport Express line, at Shivaji Stadium, will also have space for about 70 vehicles. DMRC has not planned a parking facility of a mass scale as New Delhi Municipal Council is coming up with a multi level parking barely a few meters away from the Metro station.