Multi-Storey Parking Project Shelved; Smart City Cites Space Constraints

The much-publicised multi-storey car parking project, once projected as a permanent solution to Belagavi’s growing parking chaos, has now been quietly dropped. With this, serious questions arise over long-term parking planning in the city’s commercial core, according to a report in the Sakal. The project was originally planned under the Smart City scheme at the existing Belagavi City Corporation parking site in Bapat Galli. A contractor had been appointed, and in 2023, the foundation stone was laid by Belagavi North MLA Raju Sait. Traders and vehicle owners had hoped the facility would ease congestion in the central market, commercial lanes, and office areas. However, after the ceremony, opposition emerged. Local residents and traders raised concerns about narrow roads, traffic bottlenecks, and the feasibility of managing entry and exit points in the congested locality. Following an inspection by Smart City officials and senior authorities, it was concluded that the Bapat Galli site was technically unsuitable due to space and access limitations. An alternative site at Khanjar Galli was later inspected, creating fresh expectations. But now, without any formal public announcement, the project has reportedly been cancelled. Sources within the Smart City Department cite “space constraints and technical difficulties” as the main reasons. The city’s first proposed multi-storey parking project has thus remained only on paper — while Belagavi’s parking crisis continues unresolved. Chronology: Bapat Galli Multi-Level Parking – A Project That Never Took Off 2012 – Private Participation ProposedIn 2012, the idea of a multi-level car parking at Bapat Galli was floated under a PPP model. Two companies had shown interest, raising early hopes for a structured parking solution.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/infrastructure/ppp-projects-in-belgaum-district/https://allaboutbelgaum.com/infrastructure/two-companies-interested-in-setting-up-car-park/ 2017 – Tender Floated, Roadblocks BeginA formal tender for construction was issued in March 2017. However, delays soon followed due to limited bidder response and contractor issues, putting the project on hold.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/infrastructure/tender-construction-multi-level-car-parking-bapat-galli-belagavi-floated/https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/multi-level-car-parking-bapat-galli-hits-road-block/ 2021 – Smart City Revives ProposalUnder the Smart City mission, a G+5 multi-storey parking facility was re-envisioned at Bapat Galli. The project promised organised parking in the city’s commercial core.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/5-storeyed-multilevel-car-park-envisaged-by-smart-city-at-bapat-galli/ 2023 – Bhoomi Pujan ConductedIn September 2023, a foundation stone ceremony was held for a 120-car capacity multi-level parking structure, reviving expectations among traders and motorists.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/120-cars-can-be-parked-at-the-multi-level-car-parking-at-bapat-galli/ 2024 – Work Yet to BeginTen months after the Bhoomi Pujan, the project had not progressed on the ground. Questions were raised over contractor inactivity and administrative delays.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/10-months-after-bhoomi-puja-multi-level-car-parking-project-yet-to-start/ 2025 – Opposition & Site ShiftLocal traders and residents opposed the project citing traffic and access constraints. Later, reports indicated the project may shift to Khanjar Galli.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/opposition-to-the-planned-multi-storey-parking-lot-at-bapat-galli/https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/multi-level-parking-shifted-from-bapat-galli-to-khanjar-galli/ 2026 – Tender Delay Flagged AgainIn early 2026, delay in finalising the parking tender was again raised at official levels, highlighting revenue loss and prolonged inaction.https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/delay-in-bapat-galli-parking-tender-to-be-taken-up-with-urban-development-dept/