Authorities wake up to lack of parking facilities in Downtown

Srinagar, Jan 7: After years of parking problems in Downtown, the Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) is mulling to provide multiple parking spots in Old City.

Officials said SSCL has identified few parking spots to kick start the initiative of providing parking space for commuters. They said that at least three spots have been identified for the purpose.

Officials said formalities have been completed and they are awaiting technical sanction so that the construction process can be started.

“It has been relatively challenging to identify parking space in Downtown vicinity given the area is congested and space is not available. We have got a go-ahead from higher officials, and in a few days, the trending process of these parking spaces will be initiated,” said an official.

The officials said that one of the parking spaces has been identified at Khawaja Bazar near Naqshband Sahab Shrine. They said that the parking lot will be developed on land measuring around two Kanals. In addition to this, the authorities will also develop a major roadside parking lot opposite Dastgeer Sahib (RA) Shrine in Khanyar.

The officials said that they have also identified a small space for a handful of vehicles in the congested Bohri Kadal area of Downtown. That said the space will be also developed as a parking lot there.

Chief Engineer Smart City Limited, Qayoom Kirmani, said that the tending process will start soon.

“We have finalised the space near Dastgeer Sahib (RA) Shrine, and we will clear the area and make a nice roadside parking area there. The parking lot at Khawaja Bazar will be bigger than others due to availability of land. We are waiting till the remaining formalities are completed, and then we will kick-start the projects,” Kirmani said.

Meanwhile, the traders in the heart of Downtown, including Maharaj Gunj, said lack of parking space is taking a toll on trade. They said that more places should be identified at Shehr-e-Khaas so that the issue is addressed.

“Land was identified at Maharaj Gunj long back, but the project did not materialize. As the authorities have started the initiative, we want them to include places like Maharaj Gunj in the plan. Authorities have started to develop the Shehr-e-Khaas market, and without parking, it won’t serve its purpose.,” Ayaz Zehgeer, chief organizer Beopar Mandal, said.