Vehicles parked on the road outside P&M Mall in Patna. Telegraph picture

Patna, Oct. 16: Roadside parking is a hassle that can daunt even the most enthusiastic among us. But our woes could end soon as the urban development department is mulling multi-level underground parking lots in public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

At present, there are around 10 pay-and-park facilities in the city governed by Patna Municipal Corporation. If the proposed project sees the light of the day, 500 or more vehicles could be parked at each underground parking facility. Several parking zones would be constructed under the project.

A senior officer of the urban development department said: “We are considering plans to undertake multi-level underground parking project in PPP mode at several locations across the city to mitigate parking woes. The government will provide land while the private partner will be responsible for the development of the necessary infrastructure. At present, we are working on framing a policy for the proposed scheme to be put up for consideration of the government.”

Sources said the plots would be leased out to the private partners, which would pay the authority concerned. The private party can generate revenue by collecting regulated charges for vehicles parked inside the facility.

The proposed plan has found voices of support from police, architects and builders’ organisations. “An underground parking system seems to be an innovative solution to unclog the city streets of haphazardly parked vehicles. If such underground facilities are developed in the city, we will support it by ensuring that citizens utilise them,” said Shivdeep Lande, traffic superintendent of police (SP), who also holds the charge of city central SP.

An architect said: “I believe underground parking system is the most feasible solution to curb parking irregularities. But such parking arrangements should be made over a big landmass. A comprehensive study on various aspects, including waterlogging and location of the parking facilities, should be conducted.”

Sachin Chandra, the president of Patna chapter of Builder’s Association of India, said: “Underground parking has been effective in several cities in the country, including a Parkomat in Calcutta. The proposed underground parking facility here should be strategically located so that they are not far from commercial centres and other important spots.”