Patna, September 22: Parking at the GPO Multi-Modal Hub near Patna’s GPO Golambar will become chargeable from October as the Patna Smart City Limited moves ahead with plans to streamline the facility’s operation and maintenance.
The parking rates have not yet been finalised. Authorities are studying existing parking charges at locations such as Patna Junction and Patna Airport before deciding the rates for the multi-modal hub.
The facility has been ready for around 16 months, while the process to appoint a private agency for its operation and maintenance is now underway.
225 Cars Can Be Parked At Once
The multi-level facility has parking space for 225 cars at a time.
The ground floor can accommodate six cars and 32 buses, while the first floor has space for 67 cars. The second and third floors can each accommodate 76 cars.
The multi-level arrangement is intended to provide organised parking space within the hub instead of vehicles being parked along surrounding roads.
Automated Parking System To Use Number-Plate Scanning
A smart parking management system is being introduced at the facility.
When a vehicle approaches the entry boom barrier, sensors will detect it and an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera will scan the registration number.
A ticket will then be generated automatically, after which the boom barrier will open for entry.
The system is designed to reduce manual intervention and make vehicle entry and exit more systematic.
Monthly Passes For Regular Users
People who regularly use the facility will be able to opt for a monthly parking pass.
The facility is expected to be particularly useful for commuters and other regular users who need to park their vehicles frequently.
Authorities also expect organised parking at the hub to help reduce the pressure caused by vehicles being parked haphazardly on nearby roads.
Rotary Parking Planned For Two-Wheelers
A separate rotary parking system for two-wheelers is also planned at the hub.
The system will have capacity for around 96 motorcycles and scooters.
Patna Smart City Limited is also planning similar rotary parking facilities at three locations in the city as part of efforts to improve parking management.
Four Agencies Qualify For Operations Contract
The selection process for a private agency to operate and maintain the multi-modal hub and its 440-metre-long subway is underway.
At a tender committee meeting held on September 19, four agencies were found technically eligible, according to the report.
Objections regarding the shortlisted agencies were invited until September 22. The financial bids will be opened after the objection process, following which the agency will be selected.
Agency To Maintain 440-Metre Subway
The private agency will not be responsible only for the multi-modal hub and its parking facilities.
The contract will also cover the operation and maintenance of the 440-metre subway connecting the facility and surrounding areas.
This will bring the parking and associated public infrastructure under a single operational arrangement.
Shops, Restaurant And EV Charging Planned
The multi-modal hub has also been designed to accommodate commercial and public-use facilities.
A 4,763-square-foot restaurant space has been created along with five shops inside the hub and another six shops in the subway.
An ATM space has also been provided for banking services. An electric vehicle charging station is also being arranged at the facility.
Parking Rates Yet To Be Announced
While paid parking is scheduled to begin from October, the final parking rates have not been announced yet.
The authorities are comparing charges at major parking locations in Patna before finalising the user fee for the GPO Multi-Modal Hub.
Once the agency is selected and the rates are finalised, the hub is expected to transition to a formal paid and automated parking system.
