Contractor faces probe over misuse of Tutikandi parking lot

Shimla, 05 September: A fresh controversy has emerged over the multi-storey parking lot at Tutikandi, with allegations of commercial misuse being levelled during the Himachal Pradesh Assembly session. On Wednesday, Indora MLA Malender Rajan questioned the Public Works Department (PWD) about the contractor’s operation of the parking facility, highlighting irregularities in its use.

MLA Rajan specifically asked when the parking lot was tendered and how many floors have been designated for commercial purposes. In response, the PWD gave a written statement, informing that the tender for the parking facility located at the bypass crossing was issued on December 3, 2019, for ten years. According to the department, the sixth to tenth floors are reserved for parking, while only the eleventh floor is for commercial activities.

Concerns arose when it was discovered that the contractor was allegedly using other floors meant for parking for commercial purposes. The Shimla Municipal Corporation has already constituted a committee to probe the alleged irregularities. The committee’s inspection will ascertain whether the contractor has leased out the parking space to shopkeepers, in which case there have been verbal complaints from people.

The parking space was constructed by taking a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the irregularities in it have raised questions over the management and proper use of this public facility. The Municipal Corporation has said that formal action will be taken against the contractor after the committee completes its inspection.