There is an expectant air among citizens with Metro Rail authorities exuding confidence that two corridors are likely to become operational soon, yet one of the nagging doubt is about parking space for vehicles near overhead stations and terminal stations.
Officials claim lot of planning went into ensuring ‘sufficient’ space for vehicles parking below overhead stations. Like any major public transportation system, the biggest spaces are provided for at the starting/terminal stations but be prepared to pay more as the fee is likely to be quite high.
On site parking
“World over the practice is to overcharge parking fees to dissuade private vehicles to come on roads when a metro rail is available. Yet going by our conditions our stations with four entries and exits are designed to provide on site parking at least in every alternate station,” explains HMR managing director N.V.S. Reddy.
First priority will be given to TSRTC buses, metro feeder services from nearby colonies, two-wheelers with cars coming last.
As just a kilometre separates two stations it should not be difficult to park vehicles, he pointed out, adding that there will be ample parking stations at terminal stations. Search is also on to identify Government lands to bring more parking space, he said.
Parking spaces
Raidurg, where Corridor Three - Nagole to Hi-Tec City (27 km) to begin with, will be finally terminating has about 15 acres, Miyapur on Corridor One - Miyapur to L.B.Nagar (29 km), have 5 acres and Nagole where the main operations centre has come up has about 4 acres for the purpose.
Falaknuma under Corridor Two - Jubilee Bus Station to Falaknuma (15) too has 21 acres in total.
As part of the Concessionnaire Agreement (CA), L&TMRH has been handed over 57 acres near 17 stations/depots ranging from 1 acre to 15 acres for building parking complexes whereas the HMR, the Government’s special purpose vehicle overseeing the project, will be doing the same in 15 stations having up to 2 acres. Altogether, parking facilities are to be provided at 32 stations and the upcoming malls at Punjagutta and Erramanzil will have cellars.
