Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today kick started work on two multi-level parking lots here which will ease the traffic congestion in the summer capital of the state.
She laid the foundation of multi-level parking complex at Sheikhbagh and Old State Motor Garages complex which, on completion, would provide a total parking facility for around 1,100 vehicles.
The two projects are expected to cost Rs 55 crore and would be completed within two years.
The ramp-type six-floor parking facilities at Lal Chowk would be of major relief to the commuters, shopkeepers and those visiting the city centre.
"There was a persistent demand of the people for multi-level car parking as it would help in ensuring congestion-free traffic movement through the city," an official spokesman said.
Interacting with the people, Mehbooba said Srinagar holds huge tourist retention potential and for that her government has decided to upgrade the civic and other facilities in the city.
Given the fact that many heritage places and shrines exist here besides other attractions, it can be made a tourist stop over after operationalising these upgraded facilities, she said.
Mehbooba said the Old City Srinagar - popularly known as Shehr-e-Khaas - holds a special historic significance and regretted that it had to bear the brunt of turmoil of the past three decades.
She said given the congestion at the place, housing pattern in downtown Srinagar would be given a new look so that people living there would not have to shift from their place.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of upgraded Magam-Beerwah-Budgam road which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 31.82 crore.
The 31-kilometre connectivity project, which includes many RCC culverts and extension of Nasrullah Pora Bridge, would link many tourist destinations in the region with the national highway.
Mehbooba fixed the deadline of one year for the completion of the project and asked the Department concerned to ensure that the completion deadline is met.
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