Pune: The PMC has finally started the demolition of multi-storeyed parking located at JM road near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj garden. The facility was not been in use for the last many years.The proposal to demolish the entire structure was sanctioned last month by PMC’s general body.With the beginning of demolition work, an entry-exit point of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj metro station located near to the parking lot has been shut on temporary basis as a precautionary measure. The entry point will remain shut for commuters for the next few weeks till the end of demolition drive. Metro commuters have been told to use another entry point which is located on the other side of the road or entry-exit point near Balgandharv Rangmandir.Officials from PMC said that the dismantling drive will continue for at least three weeks.The mechanised parking facility was primarily meant for cars. The administration attempted to revamp it, but officials said that a detailed review pointed out that the revamp was not possible. “During the inspections it was found that the facility was not structurally fit to park the cars. Also, the slots in the parking facility are not able to cater to the bigger vehicles like SUVs. Hence it was not feasible to revamp the parking”, officials said.The PMC is yet to decide on setting up a new parking facility. Officials said that no proposal has been tabled yet to reconstruct the parking, however, the administration is exploring possibilities to set up multi-level parking facilities in the JM road area.Regular travellers at JM road said that the PMC should set up multi-level parkings to give some relief to travellers who often fail to find spaces to park their cars in areas like FC road, Deccan Gymkhana and JM road. “If operated well, the PMC will be able to generate good revenue from parking lots”, said Ajay Kale, a regular visitor to JM road.
