Pune: 19-Year-Old Mechanised Parking Project On J M Road Lies Abandoned, PMC Urged To Act
Pune: 19-Year-Old Mechanised Parking Project On J M Road Lies Abandoned, PMC Urged To Act
Pune, May 12, 2026: Social activist and Creative Foundation President Sandeep Khardekar has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation to take an immediate decision regarding the unused mechanised parking structure located opposite Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Garden on Jungli Maharaj Road.
In a letter addressed to PMC Commissioner Navalkishore Ram, Khardekar stated that the mechanised parking facility, constructed in 2007, has remained largely unused for several years.
He pointed out that even after its construction, the parking system saw very limited usage as citizens at the time were hesitant about mechanised parking technology and the city did not face severe parking issues then. Khardekar also recalled that during his tenure as president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, protests were held against the civic body over what he termed as maintaining a “white elephant” project.
According to the letter, the parking facility has remained shut for nearly half of the past two decades. Khardekar mentioned that when he followed up on the matter two years ago, PMC officials had informed him that discussions were underway with Metro authorities regarding its future use.
However, he alleged that the structure currently lies abandoned, with garbage accumulating around the premises. Experts, he claimed, believe that due to the increase in vehicle sizes over the years, the existing mechanised system is no longer practical or economically viable.
Khardekar further stated that renovating the facility would amount to investing again in an unviable project. He has demanded that PMC take a suitable and immediate decision regarding the future of the parking structure.
