Mysuru:  In a bid to end vehicle parking woes during Dasara — when tourists across the country and the globe are expected to visit the city — the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has temporarily opened the parking facility in Town Hall premises yesterday.

The decision to open the parking lot has provided a relief to many commuters who were otherwise struggling to park their vehicles in the Central Business District in the absence of parking on the main roads that are usually occupied by shopkeepers and shoppers.

The Town Hall has three parking lots — multi-level parking lot, the open space facing HOPCOMS and the open space facing Gandhi Square.

While the multi-level parking lot can accommodate 800 cars, the open space facing HOPCOMS can accommodate 600 cars and two-wheelers and the open space facing Gandhi Square can accommodate 150 cars, 50 Light Passenger Vehicles (LPVs) including TTs (Tempo Travellers,) and                      two wheelers.

The parking facility, which is a temporary one, will be open till December and may also be extended to January, if required.

The MCC had invited tenders for operating the parking facility about a fortnight ago and one Pradeesh, a resident of Agrahara in city is the successful bidder.

The Town Hall has two gates — one for entry and the other for exit of vehicles.

The MCC has stipulated the parking fee for two-wheelers at Rs.10, for cars Rs.20 and for LPVs Rs.30. There are no restrictions of time.

With the opening of parking facility at Town Hall, the practice of allowing vehicles to park around the Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple has been discontinued. This place is now open for tourists, tongawallas and other street vendors to sell their wares. Tongawallas who used to complain that their business is hit due to parking of vehicles can now attract more and more tourists to see the illuminated city. 

The MCC floated tenders to operate and maintain the multi-level parking lot as it is difficult for it to prevent vehicle thefts and maintain and operate the parking facility due to skeletal staff. Instructions have been given to contractor to ensure security of vehicles and depute enough staff to maintain and operate the parking lot.