Delhi’s ₹63.7 crore multilevel automated car parking at M Block Market in Greater Kailash I is finally ready—but the opening is stalled, pending permission to remove 18 trees. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is preparing to inaugurate the much-anticipated multilevel shuttle parking tower by the end of the month. Civil and electrical work on the structure has been completed, but a final hurdle remains. The civic body is awaiting approval from the forest department to remove trees obstructing emergency vehicle access.

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An MCD official explained that the trees, located along the outer boundary of the parking area, must be removed to create a six-metre-wide passage for fire tenders and other emergency services, as mandated by building regulations. Once the trees are cleared, the fire services’ no-objection certificate (NOC) will be formally sought.

Interestingly, construction continued without delay despite the pending clearance, thanks to anticipatory approval from the fire department. Officials expect the final nod from the forest authorities within a week.

Fully Automated Parking 

The parking facility has been developed over a 2,240 square metre plot with a total investment of ₹63.7 crore. Featuring ground plus eight levels, the building is designed to accommodate 399 vehicles. This is no ordinary parking lot. The site will use a fully automated robotic shuttle system to park and retrieve vehicles—eliminating the need for manual operation. With four vehicle lifts integrated into the system, the “robo-parking” concept promises a faster, space-efficient alternative to conventional parking.

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Delayed Timeline Fuels Frustration

Work on the project began in March 2022, with an 18-month deadline aiming for a September 2023 completion. However, delays pushed the timeline well beyond the original target, drawing criticism from local residents and shopkeepers. “The market is always crowded. Cars parked along the roads create daily chaos,” said a resident of GK-I. Many feel that the long-pending project should have been completed sooner to relieve congestion in the bustling market zone.

Operations, Revenue Sharing & Parking Model

Once operational, the facility will be run by the private concessionaire responsible for its construction. Under the terms of agreement, the operator will manage the parking system for ten years, sharing 70% of the revenue from parking fees with MCD. The civic body believes automated stack and puzzle parking systems offer a smart solution for urban congestion—allowing for more vehicles in less space, lower construction costs, and faster project timelines. Notably, these sites can begin partial operations even before full handover, allowing quicker relief to parking-starved areas.