Security takes backseat as MSRDC allows flyover parking

Updated on: 09 March,2009 07:55 AM IST |
Shashank Rao |

A promise made by former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and Anil Deshmukh, PWD minister in his cabinet, to ban parking below flyovers is not being kept by their successors.

A promise made by former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and Anil Deshmukh, PWD minister in his cabinet, to ban parking below flyovers is not being kept by their successors.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) reopened sale of tenders on March 2 for the

beautification and use of space below flyovers on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH). The modified tenders allow for the use of the space for ad displays, showrooms (without retail sale) and parking of vehicles.

"Parking below flyovers is dangerous because vehicles are dumped at a spot for days, and this poses a terror threat." Vilasrao Deshmukh, who had apprehensions about terrorists exploiting flyover parking, had reportedly given oral instructions to the MSRDC to stop the pay-and-park system below flyovers.

"The police should take due care before allowing vehicles to be parked at such places," Deshmukh told MiD DAY. MSRDC sources revealed that the 16 flyovers that offer the the pay-and-park facility earns them Rs 190 lakh annually. "How can we abandon such a lucrative source?" asked an MSRDC official.

CM Ashok Chavan told this reporter that he was in New Delhi and would have to study the issue before commenting.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels