Zoo Road Multi-Level Automated Car Parking Goes to Waste: Crores of Loss

The automated car parking facility situated in the heart of the city is of no use. A total budget of Rs. of 14.33 Cr went in vain as the deserted car parking facility at Zoo Road fails to attract people.
In 2017 the city got its first Automated Car Parking Facility at Zoo Road which was inaugurated by the Former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. A total of Rs 14.33 Cr of the project, the car parking was undertaken by the GMDA (Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority).

According to the report by Headline 8, the parking area has the facility of a total of 302 slots for the cars to be parked on the contrary of which 15 to 20 cars come into the parking area on a daily basis. 13 cars were parked on a monthly basis. The public hesitates to give notice to the huge parking facility on the contrary they prefer to park their vehicles on the roadside, at Zoo Road. This is the main reason for the traffic jam caused at Zoo Road. Moreover, many roadside cars have also been stolen as the report says. Rs 20 is charged for the 4-wheeler cars and Rs 10 for the 2-wheeler cars, which the public hesitates to pay and they prefer to park on the roadside free of cost.

The parking facility has a total of 6 levels of overground puzzle parking, 5 among them have been shut down by the Government. Only the ground level is accommodated for the public.

Speaking to Headline 8 the manager said, “people are not using the car parking facility may be because the area is not in a suitable place. Moreover, people don’t like to pay us. They even bargain. Some people like to pay Rs 10 for their car to park. Sometimes people come and leave after knowing its parking charge.”

The manager added, “The Government does not give permission to operate the upper stories of the parking area. Only the ground level is open to the public.”

The Government has leased the parking facility to Mr. B. Barman. There are 3 employees appointed at the parking facility. A total of Rs 20 is charged for a 4-wheeler car per hour. On the other hand, a total of Rs 10 is charged for a 2-wheeler car. The subsequent per hour is Rs 5. The electricity cost for the parking is under the Shradhanjali Park which is run by the Government.