A two-storeyed two-wheeler underground parking lot was inaugurated at the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu here on Sunday by Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
The facility was built at a cost of Rs.17 crore. It occupies 3000 sq.m area near the entrance of the terminus and has the capacity to park 1,000 two-wheelers at each level. According to officials, at least 1,500 two wheelers are brought to the terminus every day.
It has two ramps and three staircases. A fire fighting system and surveillance cameras with monitor have been installed. The roof of the parking lot has been developed as a garden and has been provided with a sprinkler irrigation system a pedestrian pathway and a fountain.
Reduce strain
According to the officials at the CMBT, the new parking lot would reduce the strain on the bus terminus, from which about 2,000 buses leave every day to various parts of the State and the neighbouring states from 180 bus bays.
The basement parking lot was mooted in 2008 to decongest the entrance for the buses, which jostle for space with two-wheelers and cars. Initially the project cost was estimated at Rs.9 crore.
G. M. Udhaya Kumar, who is managing the parking lot at the terminus, said in the new parking lot we can ensure parking for 3,000 vehicles.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has called for tenders and with the onus on them to maintain the facility, parking fees are being hiked, it is learnt. In another fortnight, parking fees at the terminus are set to rise. According to Mr. Udaya Kumar, two-wheeler riders will pay Rs.5 for every three hours instead of Rs.3 for every five hours.
A commuter said the facility would ensure that the two-wheeler riders do not park on the footpath outside the terminus, which is spread over 37 acres.
