Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially commenced work on a multi-level robotic car parking facility at Hutatma Chowk, also known as Flora Fountain. The facility, once completed, will serve areas like Churchgate and Fort.
A budget of ₹200 crore has been allocated for this project in the current BMC budget. The parking facility will be constructed on a designated plot adjacent to the fountain, across from Apsara Pen Mart. Currently, this site functions as a pay-and-use car parking area.
Advantages of vertical parking facilities
Unlike horizontal parking lots, which require large land areas, the robotic multi-level parking system can be accommodated on smaller plots. These types of facilities are common in Western countries, and according to a civic official, Mumbai has the necessary infrastructure to operate and maintain such systems.
While parking is becoming an increasing challenge, some argue that converting gardens and parks into parking lots would be detrimental, especially given Mumbai’s lack of open spaces. Without adequate parking solutions, illegal parking on roads could become a bigger issue.
