Work resumes on stalled multi-level car parking facility in M’luru

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Mangaluru: The development of the multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility, designed to accommodate 400 vehicles, has recommenced at Hampankatta in the city. The construction, which initially started in Nov 2021, experienced significant delays and temporarily ceased operations due to technical reasons. There was no significant progress in the work even after more than three years.
The MLCP project was taken up by the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) under a public-private partnership (PPP) model on the land where the old bus stand existed in Hampankatta, with a projected investment of Rs 94 crore. MSCL managing director Raju K told TOI that the work has begun and it will be completed as per the plans through the same concessionaire. “The contract period will be extended, and the work will be taken up as per the previous agreement,” he added.
MSCL general manager (technical) Arun Prabha KS said the piling work has already begun at the site. Any project needs at least 18 months for completion. “The work will be expedited to ensure that the MLCP is opened at the earliest. Before the onset of monsoon, a significant portion of the work is expected to be completed. We will address all risk factors in the construction in the initial phase. The same concessionaire has set up a new firm to continue the work,” he said.
“There are several commercial establishments on the road that connects KS Rao Road with Hampankatta Road, which is located close to the MLCP site. We have to provide access to their establishments too while developing the MLCP. Hence, we have been planning to develop the MLCP in such a way that there will be proper access to the commercial establishments,” the officer said.

In fact, the MLCP project was originally intended to be executed through the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (Muda). In 2014, the Mangaluru City Corporation council meeting resolved to implement the project independently via PPP. Subsequently, after Mangaluru’s selection under the central govt’s Smart City Mission, the MLCP was incorporated into the MSCL project portfolio.