Work on multi-level parking plaza to begin soon.

Work on the construction of a multi-level parking plaza-cum-commercial complex behind Saphalyam shopping complex at Palayam, under the aegis of the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA), will begin soon.

The ‘Bhoomi puja’ for the project was performed on March 2, and construction is set to begin in mid-March, said an official with Hindustan Prefab Ltd, the Union government agency entrusted with the execution of the project.

Though the construction of the parking plaza was inaugurated in February last, work was yet to begin.

The eight-storey structure, called 'A' block, is designed to accommodate 300 cars. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors and the basement will be designated as parking spaces, with a capacity of 200 cars, along with an outdoor parking space for 100 cars. Ramps will be constructed to drive up to the top floors, as well as a car lift for emergencies.

The ground, first and second floors of the complex will comprise commercial spaces, and will be connected to the Saphalyam complex, the official said.

The foundation is being laid in such a manner as to facilitate the construction of three additional floors later, if needed.

The total plinth area of the complex is 2 lakh sq ft, with around 25,000 sq ft per floor. The commercial area will take up 50,000 sq ft. Administrative sanction of ₹35 crore had been accorded to the project, of which ₹10 crore has already been allotted to the executing agency.

The construction, being undertaken by South Indian Constructions group based in Karunagapally, is expected to be completed in 18 months, the official said.

THE HINDU