Under Shimla Rope way project parking would fall far-short of capacity, HC seeks reply
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Shimla, July 10
Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed dissatisfaction over the inadequate parking arrangements being planned under the Shimla Ropeway Project and directed the Shimla Municipal Corporation to identify additional land near the proposed ropeway station to meet the city’s growing parking needs.
Hearing an ongoing public interest litigation concerning traffic congestion and urban infrastructure in Shimla, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi noted that the parking facilities proposed so far would fall far short of the required capacity. The matter is linked with a separate PIL relating to traffic and civic issues in the state capital.
During the hearing, the court was informed through a reply filed by respondent No. 15 that one complete floor measuring 1,017 square metres has been earmarked for parking at the proposed ropeway station, with a capacity to accommodate around 50 cars. A structural plan has also been placed on record.
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The Bench, however, observed that even this facility, along with the proposed parking for 18 vehicles on the rooftop of the new bus stand building being constructed by Shimla Smart City Limited, would remain insufficient in view of the city’s parking requirements.
Appearing for the Municipal Corporation, counsel Mukul Sood sought additional time to file a fresh affidavit and identify nearby land that could be developed for additional parking. The court also directed the registry to trace and place on record an affidavit filed on July 7 after removal of objections, noting that it too referred to parking for only 30 to 40 vehicles.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 26.
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