Siliguri, Sept. 17 -- A permanent parking zone will be developed at the Mela Ground of Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, with parking tiles and upgraded facilities. However, no fairs or large events will be allowed at the ground once the parking facility is completed, Tourism Minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh said on Thursday.
A trial run of the parking facility had been underway at the Mela Ground. Following its completion, Ghosh laid the foundation stone for the permanent parking zone on Thursday.
The facility will accommodate two-wheelers, four-wheelers and trucks. Parking charges will be levied, while the project will include parking tiles, a smart gate, CCTV cameras and electric vehicle charging facilities. The boundary wall will also be raised and decorated with artworks.
According to Ghosh, the project will cost around Rs 1.64 crore and is targeted for completion by October 15, ahead of Durga Puja.
The minister said there are plans to shift fairs currently held at the Mela Ground to the Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat at Kawakhali. However, the name of Biswa Bangla will be changed.
Discussions with stakeholders will be held to finalise a designated venue for fairs after Puja.
"Due to the parking problem in this unplanned city, fairs and large events cannot be organised inside the city. Such events will have to be held outside," Ghosh said.
He also announced that a bus terminus would be developed at Paribahan Nagar in Matigara at a cost of around Rs 3.5 crore. Long-distance private buses operating from Siliguri Junction will be shifted to the new terminus.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.