Bhubaneswar, Jan 3: The Odisha government is planning a significant upgrade to parking facilities at Lokseva Bhavan, aimed at easing parking congestion. The development will include a large-scale underground parking structure, eliminating the need for finding additional parking spaces around the building. A substantial investment of over ₹100 crore has been proposed for this project, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) already submitted for approval to the Chief Minister.
This is part of a larger redevelopment plan for Lokseva Bhavan. In the first phase of the project, the underground parking system will be implemented. The parking area will be located near Gate No. 2, with three basement levels available for vehicle parking. The basement levels will provide a total of 76,272 square feet of space for cars.
The parking capacity is divided among three levels: Basement 1 will accommodate 180 cars, Basement 2 will have space for 189 cars, and Basement 3 will hold 204 cars. To enhance convenience, the facility will include a lift system for easy access between the basement and ground level, with 13 lifts planned across different corners of the underground parking.
In addition to these features, the parking facility will include advanced smart parking management systems. Sensors placed near each parking spot will monitor availability, and an automatic recognition system will track vehicles entering the parking area. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to manage the entire parking process, making it more efficient.
The facility will also ensure continuous power supply for the parking areas, while a mechanical ventilation system will be installed to maintain air quality. Rest rooms will be provided for drivers on each level, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be available. A landscaping makeover will be carried out on the top of the underground parking structure, transforming it into a green space with garden-like features.
At present, parking at Lokseva Bhavan has become a major challenge, especially as most cars are currently parked in front of the building or in the area near Gate No. 2. Some vehicles are even parked on the road, causing traffic issues. The government has recognized the need for additional parking space, as the existing infrastructure can only accommodate a limited number of cars and bikes.
Currently, around 1,500 cars and 3,500 bikes are required to be parked within the premises of Lokseva Bhavan, according to a senior official from the Public Works Department. As part of the phased redevelopment, further expansion of parking space is also planned in the coming years to meet the growing demand.
