CMRL plans multi-level parking facilities at a few stations

“Once the entire phase-I becomes operational by August 2016, multi-level car parking facilities may be created”

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has planned to create multi-level parking lots at a few stations.

Initially, the stations will have only surface-level parking facilities on the elevated stretch. Once, the entire phase-I becomes operational by August 2016, multi-level car parking lots may be created, according to CMRL officials.

Stations, including Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, SIDCO and Alandur, on the first 10-km stretch from Koyambedu to Alandur would have ground-level parking lots initially, the officials said.

“We plan to have multi-level parking facilities later. We don’t expect too much traffic at the initial stage with just one line. We may create them only after Phase-I is completed,” an official of the CMRL said.

The underground stations — Chennai Central, Shenoy Nagar and Egmore — may have multi-level parking facilities, the official said. In some stations, there may be 3-5 levels, while in others there could be just one, he added.

Underground stations

The other underground stations which would have parking facilities included Saidapet, Nandanam, Washermanpet and Anna Nagar East. But it was not yet clear where the facilities would be provided in these stations.

“We carried out a study before deciding which stations will have parking facilities based on the demand. Even though some stations require the facility, there is no land available. For instance, in the case of the LIC station, we may not provide for parking owing to non-availability of land,” an official said. For the same reason, the Nehru Park, KMC and Pachaiyappa’s College stations may not have this facility.