LUCKNOW, May 7 -- : To ease chronic traffic congestion in the city's heritage belt located in the old city area of the state capital, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has decided to construct a large parking facility near Rumi Gate in Hussainabad. The move aims to tackle illegal parking and streamline traffic flow in one of the most visited tourist circuits of the state capital. LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar did an inspection of the heritage zone on Wednesday. Officials said the authority has identified nearly 9,000 square metres of land adjacent to Rumi Gate for the project. The proposed facility will have capacity for 15 buses, 150 four-wheelers, and around 300 two-wheelers. The authority will construct the parking at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore and build a 14-metre-wide entry and exit corridor alongside Rumi Gate. Additionally, pedestrians will get a separate exit route through Musafirkhana Gate. Officials said illegal roadside parking in Hussainabad frequently leads to severe traffic snarls, affecting residents and tourists visiting Bara Imambara and the Clock Tower. LDA will also develop another parking space over 700 square metres behind the food court near under-construction library. Taking strict note of delays in ongoing projects, the vice-chairman imposed a penalty of Rs 1.5 lakh on contractor, M/s FN and Company, for slow progress in the work near the Residency. He also instructed officials to remove illegal encroachments, including temporary huts near Suraj Kund Park. The LDA is also set to operationalise 'Lazeez Gali' in Hussainabad within this month. The food street, comprising 15 kiosks, is nearing completion, with work on a toilet block underway. Officials have been asked to finish all pending work within 15 days to boost tourism. During the inspection, Kumar also reviewed beautification works at Nimbu Park and directed officials to operationalise the fountain soon and enhance greenery with multiple varieties of Nimbu plants....