Lift park in model town mkt & construct underground parking: Suggest residents

Ludhiana: The visitors in the Model Town market raised hue and cry regarding the non-availability of parking facility in the market which is among the most thronged markets of the city. The residents have been demanding construction of an underground parking lot in the commercial area which is also called as Gole market.
As of now, residents park their vehicles around the circular park present inside the market area. There is a proposal to lift the existing park at a height of 12 feet and build an underground parking facility there. The park has been developed on a land of around 3,700 square yards. The plan, proposed by councillor of ward number 48 Parvinder Lapran— will be submitted in the next MC general house meeting.
Owing to the large number of showrooms, many tend to flock this commercial area which adds to vehicular congestion. With not much space left, consumers also park their vehicles in the residential areas adjoining the markers. To facilitate the movement of pedestrians and shoppers in the commercial areas without worrying about jammed streets and roads, it has also been proposed that a walking path be made outside shops and showrooms.
Divulging information, the councillor said, “The green spaces in the city are already shrinking so we cannot spoil this park for parking facilities. The parking lot once developed will have a capacity for 300 vehicles.” He said this project will be taken up under councillor quota and in case more funds will be required he will get them arranged with the help of industrialists. Lapran claimed that after MC house will give its approval, he will get the work started and assured that it will be completed in nine to 12 months’ time.
The assistant town planner SS Bindra, however, said they have received the proposal and are studying it. “It will go for approval from mayor and MC commissioner followed by which sanction of finance and contracts committee as well as MC house will be sought,” he added.
Amarjit Singh, a resident of Civil Lines, said it is only in Ludhiana where parking of vehicles are allowed on roads. He added that market areas here should have separate parking lots, similar to those in Chandigarh. Another resident of Dugri Phase-I, Harjit Singh, said haphazard parking in markets is yet another reason for traffic jams because the vehicles choked maximum area of the roads leaving lesser space for commuters to pass. He added that some parking space is the need of the hour.
Box: Parking proposed in market since 2008
The proposal to develop parking space in the market is hanging fire since 2008. At that time, underground parking was proposed at similar space. But even after keeping funds worth Rs 1.25 crore, the project could not be taken up by the civic authorities.