Hyderabad: Parking facilities at Metro Rail stations have been divided between L&T and HMRL, making for a strange situation for commuters. L&T charges for vehicle parking at four Metro Rail stations including Miyapur, Kukatpally and Nagole. HMRL provides free parking at the remaining stations.
Eventually, HMRL will provide smart parking facility which will need to be paid for. This is far removed from the parking policy based on government order Ms 63 dated March 20, 2018.
According to the GO, the first 30 minutes of parking is free and it would be extended to one hour if the person produces a bill of purchase at the commercial establishment of any amount.
“The GO is applicable only for commercial establishments and multiplexes, but the Metro Rail is a mode of transport. At malls run by L&T, the parking is free, but in the designated parking complexes it is paid for. People cannot be allowed to park on the road when they come for commercial activity, so malls have to provide it for free,” the official said.
Across the city the parking rules vary at different Metro Rail stations. A commuter parking at Nagole has to pay and use, but the same commuter can park the vehicle at Begumpet or Tarnaka for free. While L&T has been given ownership for parking at 20 stations, HMRL owns 24.
At a project cost of '10 cr, with an average of Rs lakh being spent per station, a smart parking facility is being created. As part of smart parking, HMRL will provide shelter; WIFI, App & web based online booking and security for vehicles. However, stations handled by L&T will not be providing such services. However, across all the stations the prices will be same .”
