The Hindu Business Line : Kochi eyes multi-level parking bays

Several firms are in the process of introducing such a system, which is considered to be an ideal option to ensure optimal space utility above and below ground level.

The multi-level parking system also offers benefits such as less environmental impact and reduced risk of theft. Architects in the city have generally welcomed the new concept as they feel that rapid urbanisation of Kochi has resulted in lack of infrastructure, insufficient parking, worsened by narrow roads. Parking of vehicles on both sides of the road is allowed, aggravating the congestion and affecting smooth flow, Mr L.Gopakumar of The Architects Group says.

A street with workspace and shops cannot afford to do without parking. Most buildings do not have enough space for parking. At the sky-high price of urban land, people are reluctant to provide land for parking alone. The only solution to this is to have multi-level parking bays, especially near public institutions and shopping centres, he says.

Land from Govt

If the government can provide land for this, the beneficiaries can raise the money for installing multi-line parking. The same can be tried at residential projects as well. Modern technology offers ready to install multi-level parking bays at reasonable cost, he says. In view of the potential of this system, the Kochi-based Foresee has announced the launch of its automated automobile parking system capable of parking from three up to 999 vehicles. Mr Joy Abraham, lead inventor of Automated Multilevel Modular Automobile Parking System (AMMAPS), says this indigenous system has been designed using a mix of mechanical and electronic systems and is economical.

A space of 82x82 ft can hold 30 vehicles on each floor, while a space of 50x50 ft can hold 10 vehicles on each floor. The height of the system can be altered as per requirements. Mr Abraham says it can be designed to suit a variety of shapes and sizes. There can even be multiple entry/exit bays and multiple lifting mechanisms to provide maximum usability features to the users.

The Kochi-based technology firm ZyberOps is developing the technology to automate AMMAPS and integrate it with various communications, security and other systems. “We expect the first project to be at Techno Park, Thiruvananthapuram. The company has also submitted a proposal to a leading construction firm in Kochi and has commenced preliminary discussions with firms in West Asia”, Mr Aubin Joe, MD, Foresee said.

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