Ahmedabad: In a move aimed at encouraging greater use of metro services and easing commuter inconvenience, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to develop parking facilities near metro stations across the city. The civic body plans to allocate 17 parking plots near 14 metro stations, offering free parking and CCTV surveillance facilities for commuters.

The decision comes amid a steady rise in metro ridership since the launch of Ahmedabad Metro services seven years ago. Despite the expansion of the metro network and its operational reach, many passengers have been facing difficulties due to inadequate parking facilities near stations.

To address the issue, the AMC Estate Department conducted a survey across the eastern and western parts of the city and identified 17 reserved plots located within a distance of 100 to 500 metres from metro stations. The sites have been selected to ensure easy accessibility for passengers wishing to park their vehicles before using metro services.

According to Estate Department official Hitendra Makwana, the identified plots will not remain vacant spaces but will instead be systematically developed into organised parking areas. Infrastructure, including paver blocks, directional signboards and CCTV cameras, will be installed at all locations.

Officials said some of the identified sites have already started witnessing use by commuters for vehicle parking. As per AMC’s plan, the parking facilities will be made available free of cost to citizens.

Paver blocks will be laid to prevent vehicles from getting stuck in mud and dust during adverse weather conditions, while CCTV surveillance will be installed to enhance security.

AMC officials believe that the availability of safe and free parking near metro stations will encourage more citizens to opt for metro travel, thereby reducing traffic congestion on major city roads and lowering fuel expenses.

The parking facilities are planned near metro stations at Vastral Village, Nirant Cross Road, Apparel Park, Thaltej, Thaltej Village, APMC Market (Vasna), SP Stadium, Paldi, Gandhigram, Vijaynagar, Vadaj, Ranip, Sabarmati and Motera Stadium. Officials said some parking plots are located in close proximity to stations, including Apparel Park (100 metres), Paldi (100 metres) and Sabarmati (120 metres). DeshGujarat