Thimphu thromde is hopeful that they will be able to do away with the parking space along Norzin lam, the city’s main thoroughfare, by June.

The thromde is waiting for the completion of the multi-level car parking (MLCP) I located at Phendey Lam near the Zangthopelri complex and MLCP II located at Norzin Lam. However, temporary parking will be allowed on the Norzin Lam.

MLCP I can accommodate 352 vehicles and MLCP II 222.

Thimphu thrompon, Kinlay Dorjee, said that about 95 percent of work at MLCP II and about 90 percent at the MLCP I were completed as of today.

He added that the thromde would allow cars to park at MLCP II within this month. “After completing some painting work and removing the scaffolding, we will open MLCP II.”

The 20 percent area reserved for commercial activities at MLCP II is not ready. But this will not affect opening up the parking space.

The project agreement for the two structures was signed on September 1, 2014.

While the construction of MLCP I started from January 2016, the construction of MLCP II started from March 2015.

According to the agreement, MLCP I was supposed to be completed by November 5, 2017 and MLCP II by July 1, 2017.

The work however was delayed due to changes in design, increase in the scope of work, cost increase and encountering and relocation of utility cables.

MLCP I is expected to complete in March this year. “The cost increase which is almost double from the initial cost is one reason for the delay. The time extension is being processed with the finance ministry,” thrompon Kinlay Dorjee said.

Initial cost of the project was Nu 450 million.

Pedestrianisation of the Norzin Lam was part of the Thimphu Thromde’s Structural Plan (2002-2027).

The first phase of the plan included landscaping and face-lifting of the area along the Norzin Lam and the clock tower square. Norzin Lam has parking space for about 230 vehicles. The parking area would be converted into a service duct and would serve as footpath for pedestrians.

Thrompon Kinlay Dorjee said that construction of service duct along Norzin Lam was part of the thromde’s 12th Plan activities. “The budget would be approved by July and we will immediately start the work.”

Phurpa Lhamo

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