Visakhapatnam is set to have a new multi-level car parking (MLCP) cum commercial complex that will be available for public use by December 2023, as per the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). The project was initially planned to open to the public this month but was delayed due to technical reasons. The project, which was finalised in December 2021, is being constructed in an area of 1.72 acres at Siripuram at an estimated cost of ₹80 crore, including GST charges. It will accommodate 450 cars and 600 plus two-wheelers, as well as commercial establishments such as supermarkets, IT and BPO offices.
The MLCP is the second of its kind in the city, with the first one located at Jagadamba Junction. It is an 11-storey structure surrounding VMRDA’s Children’s Arena, VMRDA office, HPCL-owned Millennium petrol bunk, Andhra University, and the WNS Global Services Company. The five floors of the building will be allocated for parking of 450 cars and 600 two-wheelers, with three floors below ground and two above.
M. Balarama Raju, the project official from the VMRDA, stated that around 30% of the construction work has been completed so far, and the project will be operational by December 2023. Raju also mentioned that the structure is built like a cruise ship and is best suited for commercial and corporate offices like IT companies. The MLCP is located 1.5 km away from the Beach Road, where major public events are occasionally held.
The MLCP is significant due to the increasing traffic woes at the Children’s Arena during festivals, marriages, and office functions. It is also located close to the AU Engineering College grounds, AU Convocation Hall, and the WNS company’s office. If all parking slots are occupied, the monthly revenue through parking of vehicles is expected to be approximately ₹60 lakh.