NHAI to develop 750 parking slots along elevated highway to ease congestion and support local businesses: MP Arora

Ludhiana, November 14, 2024: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started work on developing parking facilities on both sides of Ludhiana’s newly constructed elevated highway. The elevated highway connects Samrala Chowk to Ludhiana's municipal boundary near Ferozepur Road on NH-05.

Giving this information here on Thursday, MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' (MoRTH) has already given its approval on an initiative taken by him. He had urged upon the MoRTH and the NHAI chairman to set up these parking areas in view of a growing demand by the business houses located on both sides of the elevated road as there was a dire need of areas for parking of vehicles.

Now, National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), an SPV of NHAI, has issued a tender, inviting bids from developers. Prospective bidders can submit bids until December 11. With an estimated budget of Rs 7 crore, the project will establish 14 parking areas capable of accommodating 750 vehicles on either side of the elevated road, covering the main city routes. This is the first such project by NHAI in the country.

Arora said the proposed parking areas would be located near significant city landmarks such as along Bharat Nagar Chowk, DC Office, Bhai Bala Chowk, Park Plaza, Novelty, Nagpal Regency, Aarti Chowk, Maharaja Regency, Kaka Marriage Palace, Malhar Road, PAU Gate 1, PAU Gate 2, Jagdish Store and Sidhwan Canal. 

He said the NHAI and NHLML aims to enhance urban mobility and reduce congestion by providing parking facilities, aligning with efforts to improve infrastructure and services for highway users. Arora, who played a significant role in advancing the elevated highway project, said he recently discussed the initiative with NHLML Chairman Vinay Kumar, who approved the parking facilities in principle.

Arora highlighted that the project is crucial for alleviating traffic congestion, which impacts local businesses and commuters. He emphasised the role of local MLA Gurpreet Gogi in advocating for the project, noting that it would increase footfall to nearby businesses. He hoped that both commuters and businessmen would be benefitted after parking facilities on both sides of elevated highway are constructed.