Sarojini Nagar Market's Parking Chaos Finally Gets a Solution
After enduring years of frustration from both traders and shoppers, Sarojini Nagar Market in New Delhi is poised to receive much-needed relief from its persistent parking problems. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has officially taken over the newly constructed multi-level parking facility in the area, marking a significant step toward resolving the long-standing issue.
Formal Handover and Operational Plans
Constructed by the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), the parking structure has now been formally transferred to NDMC's civil department under a memorandum of understanding. NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Chahal confirmed that the facility, with a capacity for approximately 680 vehicles, is expected to become operational later this month.
"Coordination with the parking cell is in progress to make the facility operational on priority, in view of the growing parking demand," Chahal stated. "The parking cell has requested sufficient manpower and a fully computerised fee collection system, both of which will be implemented shortly." He added that procurement of necessary equipment and machinery for smooth operations has already commenced.
Features and Benefits of the New Facility
This parking project is an integral component of the larger redevelopment plan for the government residential complex in Sarojini Nagar. Its primary objectives are to ease on-road parking and reduce traffic congestion around the bustling market. The ground-plus-four-storey structure employs ramp-based circulation for efficient vehicle movement.
Each parking slot is equipped with sensors that display real-time availability—red for occupied and green for vacant. Drivers will receive this information at the entry point and on every floor, enhancing convenience and reducing search time.
Addressing Previous Shortcomings
Although an automated multi-level parking facility already exists near the market, shopkeepers have reported that it takes 15–20 minutes to park a vehicle, which discourages its use. Traders expressed optimism about the new NBCC facility, noting that its ramp-based access to different floors promises faster and more convenient parking.
"This model is likely to see higher footfall. We urgently need a functional solution and hope the facility opens soon," traders remarked, highlighting the critical need for an effective parking system to support business activities.
Background and Future Plans
Discussions to transfer the NBCC parking facility to NDMC began in April last year, but officials awaited the completion certificate. During this period, NDMC conducted assessments to determine the manpower required for operation and maintenance.
Initially, the facility will be operated by NDMC staff. However, the civic body plans to eventually transfer the operation of all parking lots to a private concessionaire. Preparations for the tendering process to hire expert agencies for maintenance and operations are currently underway.
Broader Parking Management Strategy
NDMC had previously revised its operational framework for 155 parking sites across Lutyens' Delhi after several unsuccessful attempts to appoint an expert agency for an integrated intelligent parking system. Under the new plan, parking sites have been categorized into three zones:
- Connaught Place
- Kartavya Path
- Areas north of Kartavya Path, including Sarojini Nagar, Bhikaji Cama Place, and nearby localities
The civic body aims to complete the tendering process by March, signaling a comprehensive approach to modernizing parking infrastructure and management in the capital.
