Siliguri, 17th September: A modern parking lot will be developed at the Mela Ground of Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri at a cost of Rs 1.65 crore, with the aim of reducing traffic congestion and addressing the long-standing parking problem in the city. Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh laid the foundation stone for the project on Thursday.
The initiative has primarily been taken to provide a permanent solution to the long-standing traffic congestion and parking problems in and around Bidhan Market. Partial parking services have already been introduced at the Mela Ground, and the infrastructure will now be further developed.
According to the minister, the aim is to make a major portion of the parking facility operational before Durga Puja, while the entire project is planned to be completed by October 15.
The project will be funded by the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA). The planned work includes installation of paver blocks, CCTV cameras and beautification of the area. The minister said the facility will have all the necessary features of a modern parking system.
The minister also indicated that designated locations may be identified for organising various fairs in the city. Instead of holding fairs in the city centre, the plan is to organise them in areas with adequate parking facilities.
He also said that the Bishwa Bangla Shilpi Haat in Kawakhali could be used for fairs in the future.
