PANJIM: The wait for the State’s first multi-level car parking facility is ending with Tourism Department set to have a soft launch of the facility on Monday, though finishing touches are still being given to the project.
The Rs 45-crore project, undertaken to develop tourism-related requirements under the ‘Integrated Development of Infrastructure for Heritage and Hinterland Tourism,’ can accommodate 462 cars, which can be extended to around 550 once the terrace and open space outside the building are also utilised for parking.
“Its soft launch will be held on May 9 and the full-fledged functioning will begin from mid-May. The project is certain to decongest the city to a large extent,” Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said after inspecting the structure, located opposite Santa Monica jetty.
The work is, however, far from complete with two passenger lifts and the toilet facility to be completed. CCTVs, adequate lightning, monitoring and security are also being worked out, the minister said.
The State has also not yet finalised parking fees. Parulekar said the tender is in process and bidders would be finalised in the next few days. “The winning bidder will charge government fees. All the modalities are being decided along with the tender,” he said. Officials stated that they have roughly decided to charge Rs 20-25 as a fee per vehicle.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation now intends to use the same model at tourism-owned properties in Calangute, Anjuna and Colva. “The building will earn revenue,” an official said.
The project in Panjim had started about two and half years ago by project consultant and contractor Lotus Environments, Pune and M VenKata Rao Infra Projects Pvt Ltd respectively in an area of over 13,000 sq mts.
