PMC finally starts demolition of multi-storeyed parking lot on JM road

Demolition begins on JM Road

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has finally begun demolishing the long-unused multi-level parking facility on JM Road near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Garden. The structure, which had not been in use for several years, is being dismantled after the PMC's General Body approved the proposal to remove it last month.

Officials said the dismantling drive will continue for at least three weeks.

Metro station entry closed as precaution

With the demolition work underway, one entry-exit point of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Metro station, located near the parking lot, has been shut temporarily as a precautionary measure. The entry point will remain closed for commuters for the next few weeks until the end of the demolition drive.

Metro commuters have been advised to use another entry point on the opposite side of JM Road or the entry-exit point near Balgandharva Rangmandir.

Why the facility was demolished

The parking facility was originally designed as a mechanised parking system for cars. The civic administration had earlier explored repairing and restarting the structure, but officials said a detailed review found that revamping was not feasible.

"During the inspections it was found that the facility was not structurally fit to park the cars. Also, the slots in the parking facility are not able to cater to the bigger vehicles like SUVs. Hence it was not feasible to revamp the parking," officials said.

The slots were too small for many newer vehicles, particularly larger cars and SUVs, making it difficult for the PMC to economically justify a revamp.

Future parking plans uncertain

With the structure now being removed, the question of parking in the area remains. The PMC has not yet approved a plan to build a new parking facility at the site. Officials said that no proposal has been tabled yet to reconstruct the parking, but the administration is exploring possibilities to set up multi-level parking facilities in the JM Road area.

The issue is significant for motorists, as JM Road, FC Road and the Deccan Gymkhana area frequently face parking shortages. Visitors often struggle to find available spaces, particularly during busy hours.

Residents and regular visitors have urged the PMC to plan a modern multi-level parking facility in the area instead of leaving the space unused. They said such a facility could reduce parking pressure and also generate revenue for the civic body.

"If planned and operated properly, a parking facility here could provide relief to motorists and also generate good revenue for the PMC," said Ajay Kale, a regular visitor to JM Road.