As Pune continues to struggle with overcrowding, traffic congestion and poor infrastructure, the long-delayed parking complex near Hotel Tim Luck Luck is still pending. Residents are claiming that the project must be fast-tracked and that honest, practical solutions should be implemented to avoid parking woes.
The Pune Cantonment Board’s (PCB) ambitious ₹17 crore automated, multi-level parking facility near Hotel Tim Luck Luck, designed to ease congestion and accommodate over 200 vehicles, has been stalled due to a lack of funds. However, this has led to a parking shortage in the area.
Raj Singh, a social activist, highlighted the urgent need for parking infrastructure in Pune. "Every day, over 2,000 new vehicles are being registered in the city. But where will they park?" he asked.
"Despite this surge, there is no concrete plan to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. Ironically, while the PCB and the Traffic Department have no plans for new parking spaces, they are quick to tow vehicles from roads under ‘No Parking’ rules. This reflects a deeply flawed and corrupt system that punishes citizens without offering solutions. It’s time for action, not just enforcement," added Singh.
The delay stems from the state government’s failure to release pending GST dues, with PCB reportedly owed a staggering ₹800 crore since 2017. The funding shortfall has also brought more than ₹150 crore worth of infrastructure projects to a standstill, including the long-overdue restoration of the fire-damaged Chhatrapati Shivaji Market and improvements to street lighting, roadways and sanitation services.
The parking complex near Hotel Tim Luck Luck was considered a major step toward resolving the parking crisis due to its location in a commercial hub, which is plagued by haphazard parking and traffic snarls.
Parag Shah, a resident and member of the Pune Camp Merchant Association Committee, said, "The construction of the parking complex started a few years ago, and it is halted because of the supposedly lack of funds, and MG road is a commercial street, and thus it has a parking requirement. The parking complex was expected to reduce the parking loads on the streets, but now we see several vehicles are parked on the streets. As cities are growing, we demand a parking space.
The Free Press Journal tried contacting PCB Joint CO Digvijay Singh for a comment, but did not receive any response.
Demands and recommendations of the citizens:
- Immediate release of pending GST dues to revive halted projects.
- Fast-tracking of key infrastructure initiatives, especially the stalled parking facility.
- Establishment of transparent, citizen-centric planning and funding mechanisms.
- Shift from a punitive traffic management model to one that prioritises infrastructure and access.
- With civic services in decline and congestion worsening by the day, citizens and stakeholders alike are calling on both the state government and local authorities to prioritise action over enforcement.
