Visakhapatnam: Car parking likely to be ready by September
Visakhapatnam: The massive multi-level car parking (MLCP)-cum-commercial complex in Visakhapatnam, which was to be made available to the public by August 2023, is yet to be completed and may even miss the August 2024 deadline. Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) officials said the delay was due to some technical reasons, and they are speeding up the work to complete it within the next two months. When asked on Monday (July 29), VMRDA officials said that about 75% of the construction work has been completed so far and about Rs 50 crore has been spent out of the estimated cost of Rs 87.50 crore. The project was finalised in December 2021 and work began in 2022. The MLCP is being constructed in an area of 1.72 acres at Siripuram near Beach Road here, which will accommodate 430 cars and over 400 two-wheelers. Apart from this, there will also be space for commercial establishments like supermarkets and corporate companies. This is the second MLCP after the construction of the first MLCP at Jagadamba Junction in the city. It includes an 11-storey structure around VMRDA’s Children Arena, VMRDA office, HPCL-owned Millennium Petrol Bunk, Gurajada Kalakshetram, Andhra University and WNS Global Services Company (old office of HSBC). Five floors (1.90 lakh sq ft) will be allotted for parking of 430 cars and 400 two-wheelers. The parking will be three floors below ground and two floors above. The remaining six floors (1.64 lakh sq ft) are for commercial establishments. Speaking to The Hindu, VMRDA project officer M. Balaramaraju said, “The plan is to complete the project in 18 months from the date of signing the contract with the contractor. But, it got delayed due to technical reasons and the recent elections before the deadline. More than 75% of the work has been completed so far. Our new commissioner K.S. Vishwanathan also visited the project and directed us to complete it by September 2024. We plan to open it to the public soon. The front part of the structure is designed like a cruise ship. Best suited for commercial and corporate offices like IT companies. If all the parking slots are filled, the monthly revenue from vehicle parking will be around ₹60-65 lakh.” The MLCP has gained importance given the increasing traffic problems at Children’s Arena during festivals, weddings and office functions. In addition, the nearby WNS company has also opened its office. The AU Engineering College grounds and AU Convocation Hall are close to this MLCP, about 1.5 km from the YSR statue on Beach Road, where major public events are held throughout the year.
