Delhi: EPCA calls for action to fix parking at metro stations

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to prepare a plan for parking around congested metro stations. “Metro is important for the city, but we can’t allow it to create chaos with inadequate parking infrastructure. Come back to us with a plan, and we will help you get the lands in the vicinity of the metro stations,” said EPCA member Sunita Narain.She was addressing an EPCA meeting held to discuss the last-mile connectivity recently.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has also been asked to focus on a list of 139 stations falling under Phase-1 and Phase-2, and identify parking problems there. “How many of these have a severe problem? Give us the details, and we will look at solutions,” Narain said.
“We walked from Jor Bagh to AIIMS, and then took a car to Chattarpur. There are available parking spaces around the metro stations. We should look beyond the revenue, and focus on convenience of the people,” the expert said, adding that there is a need to redesign the parking infrastructure around the metro stations.
The members also opined that e-rickshaws, taxis and autorickshaws should be provided free parking or drop-and-go facilities.
A DMRC official said that they have made a list of 14 stations of which Kashmere Gate and Chattarpur multi-modal integration (MMI) zones have already been created. MMI is the mobility planning of the immediate zone around the metro stations in order to integrate them with feeder buses, bus stands and auto rickshaws. MMI helps in improving the last-mile connectivity and ensured unhindered traffic around the metro stations.
EPCA is also looking for technology solutions to streamline the parking facilities and to get rid of the illegal lots. A meeting with technology providers will be held in this regard. The panel is planning to use geotagging app, RFID tag, QR code and smart cards.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed that RFID should be utilised at transport hubs, institutions and commercial areas. It also sought a detailed plan for Krishna Nagar and Kamla Nagar in the next two weeks.
“The government of NCT of Delhi, the municipal authorities and EPCA are directed to consider the viability and effectiveness of introducing RIFD tags, parking guidance and information systems and last-mile connectivity from parking spaces to commercial areas, institutions etc. and submit a report in this regard by September 30...After the reports on the pilot project are received, further directions shall be issued,” the court had said.