Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation is all set to hire a consultant to reconstruct two decades-old underground parking lots in Sector 17. The aim is to conduct a detailed topographical survey, carry out geotechnical investigation, provide comprehensive structural design and ensure multiple other technical components. The consultant will work as per the latest engineering and structural module to ensure sustainability and safety. A detailed report will be submitted to the authority.Sources in the MC said that the major components of the consultant works will include the contour plan, reduced levels, site features, utilities, approach roads and drainage pattern. “The geotechnical investigation will cover boring, drilling, collection of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples, laboratory testing and preparation of soil investigation report,” sources said.Besides, the consultant will handle the detailed structural design consultancy, design calculations, structural drawings, details for concrete (RCC) and steel components, foundation design and issuance of good-for-construction (GFC) drawings, an official said.The two parking lots have been abandoned for over a decade. That changed in May, when the MC approved Rs 41.3 crore for their reconstruction. One underground parking lot is located near the 30-bay building of Sector 17, while the other is located along the BSNL office in the same sector. The cost of the underground parking near the 30-bay building was estimated at around Rs 24.6 crore, while around Rs 16.6 crore was finalised to reconstruct the underground parking project along BSNL office.Box: What the report saidThe MC decided to close all old underground parking lots of the city in Aug 2019 after an inspection by IIT Roorkee flagged their unsafe structures. The report revealed that only one underground parking lot in Sector 8-C could be repaired, while the remaining five were in bad shape due to structural weaknesses. “On the basis of the results of this investigation, retention of parking structures in their existing form is adjudged to be unsafe and it is recommended to reconstruct the new parking structures as per revised current requirements. However, the parking structure in Sector 8 can be retained and is recommended for repair,” the IIT Roorkee report said.The report added, “Demolition and reconstruction becomes a more viable option in view of the cost of repair and age of structures. It is believed that the cost of the required repair and restoration shall be considerably over 50% of the cost of reconstruction of a new structure.”Funds ApprovedRs 41.3 crore approved by MC for the projectConsultant to conduct topographical survey, soil testing and structural designParking facilities have remained abandoned for over a decadeIIT Roorkee report had declared most old underground parking structures unsafeReconstruction preferred over repairs due to age and structural weaknesses
