Parking fee doubled to avoid chaos

Thursday, Nov 11, 2010



Be prepared to shell out a huge amount for parking if you use your private transport to visit the international trade fair. To discourage visitors from bringing their own vehicles in order to reduce traffic congestion in the Pragati Maidan area, the authorities have jacked up the parking charges by over 100%.

It will cost a minimum of Rs 100 to park your car near Bhairon Mandir behind Purana Qila, which is walking distance from the venue. For two-wheelers the parking fee is Rs 40. "The rates have been kept high to desist people from bringing their cars. Only those who really need to travel in their private vehicles and are ready to pay for it should do that,'' said a senior official.

One can use public transport or park the car at distant designated parking sites, including public parking at Dyal Singh College near CGO complex on Lodhi Road, at Rajghat on Ring Road and at the Delhi zoo. These parkings are maintained by civic bodies and charge up to Rs 20 for 24 hours for cars. "Visitors can avail free shuttle services from the parking stations to the fair venue. Special park-and-ride facility for senior citizens, the physically challenged and ladies with infants from Bhairon Road parking will be available,'' said a senior official.

Free shuttle services will be provided between the nearest Metro stations and different entry gates to the trade fair, said chairman and director, ITPO, Subas Pani. He said that the number of visitors may come down this year from 1.5 million last year because there will be better control over entries. "This time we have flap barriers to regulate entry with bar-coded badges and ticket (readers),'' he said.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Parking-fee-doubled-to-avoid-chaos/articleshow/6904176.cms#ixzz14x9gikyJ