Charminar’s planned multi-level parking remains stalled, leaving vacant land as a garbage dump while tourists and residents struggle with parking woes
Hyderabad: No work has been initiated to build a multi-level parking facility in the crowded Charminar area, seven years after the bus terminus was demolished to make way for the facility.
The vacant land has turned into a garbage dumping site, causing inconvenience to residents, even as motorists struggle to find parking space.
The foundation stone for the project, then estimated to cost Rs 34.6 crore, by the previous BRS government. The Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) was tasked with completing the project under a public-private partnership model, covering 3,493 square meters.
The proposed plan includes three cellars and three floors, offering a paid parking facility for over 150 four-wheelers and 150 two-wheelers for Charminar visitors. Additionally, commercial shops were to be allotted to hawkers in the cellar and ground floor.
The previous government had also laid foundation stones for multi-level parking facilities at the bus station and the old pension office in Charminar. However, the old pension office is currently being used by vendors due to the delay in the re-construction of the Murgi Chowk.
Asked about the delay, QQSUDA chief engineer G. Guruveera told Deccan Chronicle, "The project is still under discussion with the consultancy and is yet to be finalised. The finalisation process is expected to be completed soon."
Meanwhile, tourists and visitors to Charminar and nearby markets struggle due to the lack of a proper parking facility. "Despite having land for parking, the area is enclosed by sheds, making it inaccessible. It has also become a garbage dumping ground and an open urination spot, causing discomfort to tourists and residents," said Gulam Ghouse Jeelani, a local resident.
"Thousands of tourists visit Charminar daily, but this place has become a garbage dump. GHMC clears the waste, but people continue dumping garbage here," he added. "This is a commercial and residential area, and visitors park their vehicles in front of shops and houses, creating a nuisance," said Faizaan Ali, a mobile service shop owner.
