DDA paves way for multi-level parking lots for buses

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has started the process of modification of a provision in the master plan for Delhi that will allow multi-level parking facilities for buses in the city.

The modification will help the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which is already on the path of building its first such parking facility, to tide over the acute shortage of parking space for buses at its depots and terminals.

At present, the Master Plan for Delhi 2021 allows only for bi-level bus parking facilities, which means only one bus parking in the upper basement level and one at the lower ground level.

The DDA has now proposed modification of the clause present in the chapter on transportation in the Master Plan for Delhi 2021.

“Land is scarce and efficient use of land for bus parking is essential. At the same time, in order to reduce dead mileage — making buses travel to locations outside the city to depots in large plots of land — it is more desirable to provide them parking within developed urban areas in multi-use multi level parking facilities,” the modified provision states.

Pilot project

As per the amended provision, multi-level parking within developed urban areas should be developed as mixed use projects.

The decision to modify the provision was taken in the DDA’s meeting on August 10, based on the directions of the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority. The authority had approved the plan to allow multi-level parking facilities at bus depots and terminals instead of bi-level parking.

The amended provision has been put in the public domain for thirty days for objections and suggestions, following which there could be more changes in the provisions before its gets the final approval and is notified by the Urban Development Ministry.

The DTC already has its plans ready to provide such parking facilities at its Seemapuri bus depot in northeast Delhi as a pilot project, which has failed to take off due to lack of response from bidders.

“The pilot project at Seemapuri is being carried out by the Public Works Department and its tenders were floated, but there was no response. The tendering process has been initiated once again,” said DTC spokesperson R.S. Minhas.