Q & A

Pradeep Misra, Founder and Director of REPL shares his views with Sandeep Sharma about the criteria to be selected for setting up multi level car parking projects in urban conglomerates, latest international trends with regard to use of automated technology for such projects. Edited Excerpts…

What criteria should the development authorities follow in selecting location for Multi-level parking projects in an urban location?

-location based on results of parking demand/supply studies undertaken by experts, -commercial feasibility -availability/non availability of land/infill developments -competing land uses -the volume of traffic entering/ exiting the parking facilities does not severely impact the traffic on the frontage road. -integration with pedestrian movements -Feeder transport services development -Connectivity with other modal transports such as metro -aesthetics and urban design/ conservation issue -other environmental and statutory issues Other criteria is that building/ not building a multi-level parking can influence the number of people actually taking the private car for their trip over public transport.

How many levels of parking should be allowed and is feasible?

Objective based on parking demand studies, commercial feasibility, end user-residential/ workplace parking/leisure etc, available urban land, approach road width, height of surrounding structures, structural design(soil investigations) etc. There cannot be a standard solution. However the statutory requirements need to be foresighted and flexible to allow effective and optimum parking solutions.

Could you provide us the alternative and feasible locations in place of Munirka in Delhi?

Parking is required at the end of all road vehicle trips. Parking is a combination of on-street and off- street parking. Multi-level car parks whether automated or not are feasible option wherever the urban land is in short supply. Multi-level parking should be provided at all locations where a modal shift happens from private car to public transport. This will encourage use of public transport. Multilevel parking area must for all congested commercial areas where they may be located in appropriate available infill sites.

What’s the latest trend followed in developed countries with regard to development of Multi-level parking space?

In addition to provision of properly planned multi-level car parks in central business districts systems like Automatic Parking information systems(indicating parking spaces left), electronic meters, pay and display machines, mechanized entry and exit, enforcement of parking policies through fines, free short term parking to encourage off street parking, other parking controls restricting the duration or the opening hours of parking facilities, differentiated parking tariffs based on time/demand, pedestrian connectivity etc are simple parking measures that have been in use in developed countries since long.

There are new trends such as A total car parking and guidance system with Variable Message Signs being employed in UK. There are also modular parking systems which are expandable/demountable in case of changes in future.

A lot of emphasis on automatic car parking systems which no doubt are very effective in many situations and save floor space. We need to look at parking situation form a comprehensive angle. Need for complete mobility management at city/town level.

Do you have any suggestions for other metros such as Mumbai with regard to multi-level parking?

Multi-level car parks is just one tool in the hands of a planner towards solving parking problems faced by Indian cities. However the problem of parking needs to be addressed at it roots by control at demand side and reducing dependency on private vehicle. There is dire need for appropriate sign age on roads to inform no standing/no parking zones and entry/exits for multi level parking.. Need for transit-oriented development. Explore Park and ride facilities on feeder routes.

In what way your company can be instrumental in providing consultancy with regard to multi-level parking projects in India?

REPL as town planning consultants can influence the parking supply and demand by effective strategic planning and urban design in their projects. Areas for Multi-level parking if required as per present/predicted demand are earmarked in appropriate locations such as new commercial areas at master planning stage. This allows for better integration of parking with overall traffic and parking plan.

Opportunities Galore

New Okhla Industrial Development Authority
Plans construction of multilevel car parking in sector -18. Tenders were recently invited. Value: Rs 44,65,00,000 Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Contacts: Chief Project Engineer, Administrative Complex, Sector 6, Noida – 201301, District. Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, T: 0120- 2425025, F: 2422210-317

Municipal Corporation, Raipur
E-tender are invited for construction of multistoried parking facility under PPP. Class of contractor: A-5. Completion period: 18 months. Submission Date: 27/01/2012 Value: Rs 69,159,000.00 Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Contacts: Commissioner, Nagar Nigam Head Office Opp. Main Post Office, Near Jaistambh Chowk, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, T: 0771-2535780- 2535790, F: 2227395

Nagpur Improvement Trust
Plans development of multilevel car parking complex at 3 locations on central avenue road, Nagpur. Tenders were recently invited. Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Contacts: Superintending Engineer, Station Road Sadar, Nagpur-440001, Maharashtra, T: 712-2527563, F: 2531079

Department Of Tourism, Goa
Plans development of boat cruise, parking (sh: construction of multi-level car parking in Patto). Tenders were recently invited. Value: Rs 19,84,51,258 Location: Panaji, Goa
Contacts: Director, Department Of Tourism, Purushottam Bhagwan, Opposite Hotel Nova Goa, Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Panaji, Goa, T: 832-2438750, F: 2438756

Bangalore Development Authority Plans construction of multipurpose shopping complex and multi level parking complex at Sante Maidana in K. R. Puram Bangalore. Bids were recently invited. Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Contacts: Ravi Narayan Reddy, Bangalore Development Authority, T. Chowdaiah Road, Kumarapark West, Bangalore-560020, Karnataka, M: 09845630114

Northern Railway
Tenders are invited for provision of car parking and cycle stand at 2nd entry of Varanasi station for the period s 3 years. submission Date: 23/01/2012 Value: Rs 8,74,568 Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Contacts: T: 0522-2626670, F: 0522-2234510, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Northern Railway
Tenders are invited for provision of car and cycle and scooter and parking contract at Mukerian. Submission Date: 24/01/2012 Location: Firozpur, Punjab
Contacts: Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, Firozpur, Punjab, T: 01632-244470

Haryana Public Works Department
Construction of roads and parking in mini sectt. complex (excluding residential area) at Palwal in Palwal district. Value: Rs 35,300,000.00 Submission Date: 20/01/2012 Location: Palwal, Haryana
Contacts: Executive Engineer, Sector 19-B, Chandigarh - 160019, Haryana. T: 0172-2568063

Northern Railway
Tenders are invited for provision of car and cycle and scooter and parking contract at Kapurthala. Submission Date: 24/01/2012 Location: Firozpur, Punjab
Contacts: Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, Firozpur, Punjab, T: 01632-244470

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department
Tenders are invited for construction work of car parking in old meta ground at Mandi. Submission Date: 30/01/2012 Value: Rs 12,50,000 Location: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Contacts: Executive Engineer, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, T: 01905-223913, 222536.

Northern Railway
Tenders are invited for provision of car and cycle and scooter and parking contract at Fazilka. Submission Date: 24/01/2012 Location: Firozpur, Punjab
Contacts: Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, Firozpur, Punjab, T: 01632-244470