VIBHA VERMA
The first-ever multi-storey car park system in the State, built at Patto was commissioned last October after nearly seven postponements. It was on October 31, 2016 that the State government finally inaugurated the much-awaited structure, built on an area of 13,556.45 square metres, to accommodate around 465 cars.
The idea was not only to decongest the heavily-congested Panjim streets and improve vehicular movement, but also to generate revenue for the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). However, almost a year later, the ‘pay parking’ continues to be a ‘free parking’ zone for a number of four-wheelers parked for hours on a daily basis, some even more than that.
According to an official source, on an average around 100-150 vehicles are parked everyday and with the onset of tourist season, the numbers will definitely increase. However, with no contractor finalized for collecting parking fees, the estimated revenue loss to the authorities concerned is considered to be huge.
But GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral does not think so, while stating that a tender will be issued this week. “A tender will be invited from interested contractors this week,” the BJP legislator said citing “no loss to the GTDC, as it is an activity/service building.”
The ground plus four levels was constructed at the cost of Rs 35 crore wherein 87-odd cars could be accommodated per level. In addition to this, 33 cars would be accommodated in the open space outside the building.
There are also two independents circular ramps for free movement of vehicle for entry and exit. This project had been undertaken to develop tourist facilities under the Integrated Development of Infrastructure for heritage and Hinterland Tourism in Goa, with the financial assistance from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The government has announced that the first seven days for parking at the facility will be free after which the commuters will have to pay a parking fee. The parking fee was tentatively fixed at Rs 10 for two-wheelers and Rs 20 for four-wheelers for the first four hours, and subsequently the tariffs would be charged per hour. Ironically, the free parking continues till date.
The tussle between Corporation of City of Panjim and the GTDC also led to administrative hurdle resulting into loss of revenue to both the agencies. The construction of the car park fell behind scheduled due to fund crunch, and on more than two occasions the contractor had stopped work due to non-payment of due, and resumed work only after his bills were cleared.
“It was after two-and-half-years, there was soft launch of the project on May 9, 2016. A formal inauguration was held in October. There was not only construction delay because of which the structure had developed minor cracks but subsequently repaired; other administrative delays have also come to the fore. However, once the tender is published, the appointment of a contractor would be expedited,” revealed the source. Incidentally, in absence of revenue collection, the GTDC has to dole out huge amount towards payment of electricity, water, renewal of occupancy certificate, etc.
