LUCKNOW, July 17 -- Lucknowites grappling with inadequate parking spaces at key localities may soon get relief, with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) planning to construct five multi-level parking facilities across the city to curb roadside parking and reduce traffic congestion. The facilities have been proposed for Patrakarpuram, Vivek Khand, Para, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal and the Ekana Stadium area, all of which experience heavy vehicular movement and acute parking shortages. LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar while speaking with HT on Thursday said the authority identified the need for additional parking facilities after conducting several field inspections across the city. The first facility has been proposed at Patrakarpuram, one of Gomti Nagar's busiest commercial hubs. The area has witnessed rapid commercial expansion over the years, but parking infrastructure has not kept pace. LDA chief engineer Manvendra Kumar Singh said authority would seek financial assistance from state government for Patrakarpuram project. Another underground multi-level parking facility has been proposed opposite Vivek Khand Community Centre in the Gomti Nagar. It will be developed on nearly 750 sqmt to accommodate approx 350 vehicles. The authority is already constructing a multi-level parking facility at Para on approximately 2,700 square metres, with a capacity to accommodate around 680 vehicles. Singh said the project is being developed near the Atal Nagar Scheme. The LDA has also proposed upgrading the existing parking facility opposite Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal in Gomti Nagar area into a multi-level parking complex. Officials said the land is already available, but the existing parking capacity is inadequate. Meanwhile, construction is underway on another multi-level parking behind the Ekana Stadium, with a capacity to accommodate around 350 vehicles. Singh said the Ekana Stadium and Para projects are being funded by LDA, while authority has proposed seeking state government funding for Patrakarpuram, Vivek Khand and the Ambedkar Memorial area. htc...