Chief Minister likely to inaugurate cruise-shaped Multi-Level Car Parking project at Siripuram Junction in Visakhapatnam in February

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set to inaugurate Visakhapatnam's MLCP project in February, accommodating cars, two-wheelers, and commercial spaces.

If everything goes according to plan of the authorities concerned, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is likely to inaugurate the much-awaited cruise-shaped Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) project at Siripuram Junction in the city in the first week of February.

The project was finalised in December 2021 and work began in January 2022. It was planned for completion in 18 months from the date of signing of the agreement with the contractor. But, the project was delayed due to various reasons, including the 2024 elections. Now, it is scheduled to be opened for the public in February. The total cost of the project is ₹87.5 crore including 18% GST.

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has invested the lion’s share (around ₹60 crore) of the project cost. As of July 2024, about 75% of the construction work was completed and an expenditure of about ₹50 crore has been incurred. Remaining 25% of the works is going to be completed by January 26.

The MLCP, being built in an area of 1.72 acres near Siripuram Beach Road, will accommodate 430 cars and over 400 two-wheelers, along with space for commercial establishments like supermarkets and corporate companies. Five floors (1.90 lakh sq ft) will be allocated for parking of 430 cars and 400 two-wheelers. The parking will be on three floors from the ground and two floors above. The remaining six floors (1.64 lakh sq ft) are for commercial establishments.

This is the second MLCP after the first MLCP was built at Jagadamba Junction in the city. It will have an 11-storey structure around the VMRDA Children’s Arena, VMRDA office, HPCL-owned Millennium Petrol Bunk, Gurajada Kalakshetram, Andhra University and WNS Global Services Company (HSBC’s old office).

“We will complete the project by January 26. Mr. Naidu is likely to inaugurate it in the first week of February this year. On the same day, he will inaugurate another project of VMRDA, the UH-3H Helicopter Museum, on RK Beach Road. We have been instructed to work on the arrangements. Our VMRDA Commissioner K.S. Viswanathan visited the project site and directed that the pending works be completed as soon as possible. The front of the structure is built like a cruise ship. It is ideal for commercial and corporate offices like IT companies. If all the parking spaces are occupied, the monthly revenue from vehicle parking will be around ₹60 to ₹65 lakh,” a VMRDA official told The Hindu on Tuesday.

The MLCP has assumed importance in view of the increasing traffic congestion at the children’s arena during festivals, weddings and office functions. The AU Engineering College grounds and the AU Convocation Hall are close to this MLCP, which is about 1.5 km from the YSR statue on Beach Road, where major public events are held throughout the year.