Visakhapatnam: The long-awaited multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility is set to become a reality, with the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) nearing completion of the 11-floor structure at the bustling Siripuram junction in the city. Of the 11 floors, five will be dedicated to parking, with a capacity to accommodate about 500 four-wheelers and 600 two-wheelers. This will be the largest multi-level car parking facility in the public sector in Visakhapatnam, and possibly even in Andhra Pradesh.
The VMRDA has taken up this ramp-based MLCP and commercial space project estimated about 80 crore. The building, with a sea view from the terrace, is designed to resemble a fish.
It is noted that the MLCP is coming up on a 1.35 acres of vacant land of the VMRDA, adjacent to its office premises in Siripuram. The land is a contagious parcel with roads on three sides and the VMRDA building on the other side. This major commercial node of the city largely comprises commercial, office, institutional and residential establishments such as Andhra University, children’s arena, Dutt Island building, branded showrooms, hotels, etc. All these factors make it essential to have a high-capacity car parking facility to reduce roadblocks and stagnancy in traffic movement.
Out of the total 11 floors of MLCP, five floors (three floor cellars, first and second floors) would be parking areas, one stilt/ground floor for commercial space, and five floors for institutional and office area.
The VMRDA had proposed the parking facility long ago, but it did not make any headway due to feasibility issues and finances involved in the project. Due to this, the VMRDA later incorporated the commercial space aspect in the project, which may attract more private parties towards it and reduce the car parking tariff.
The VMRDA hopes that the MLCP will become an ideal project given the commercial activity and potential of the locality. Apart from sorting out the parking woes in the vicinity, the VMRDA may get a decent revenue by renting/leasing out the commercial space. Several major commercial establishments are located in the one-kilometre metre radius from the location of the MLCP.
VMRDA metropolitan commissioner KS Vishwanathan inspected the construction progress of the MLCP project. During the inspection, he toured each floor, identified incomplete tasks, and directed officials and contractor representatives to hire additional workers. He asked the officials to ensure all work should be completed by the end of Jan, thereby, readying the project for inauguration in Feb.
