Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Kohima’s Smart City parking hubs are doing more than just storing cars. These multi-level facilities now serve as vital commercial centers, boosting local employment and providing retail space for entrepreneurs. The PR Hill Multi-Level Car Parking facility, owned by Smart City and managed by the Central Plaza Management Board, stands as a prime example. Manager Novizo Dzune said the building was designed not only for parking but also housed a shopping mall, food court and space for small events, with the aim of promoting local entrepreneurs and providing business opportunities.
The PR Hill site supports 30 local jobs and hosts roughly 78 shops. It features four clinics and can hold 150 vehicles, with 50 spots per floor. Drivers pay Rs. 2,000 for monthly parking or Rs. 100 for a single night. The venue also offers event space for Rs. 15,000 per day. Security is tight. CCTV cameras watch the site, and guards work round the clock. The building also provides hygienic pay-and-use toilets and a public lift.
Across town, the New NST facility operates on a 15-year lease. This five-storey structure has functioned for three years, with the ground floor serving as a Nagaland State Transport hub. Manager Viketouzo Belho says the site holds about 100 vehicles, or 20 per floor. It currently supports 12 staff members. While the monthly rate matches PR Hill at Rs. 2,000, overnight rates are higher at Rs. 200. Roughly 25 customers hold monthly passes.
Operations at the New NST site hit a few snags. The public lift is currently broken. Some drivers have also skipped out on their parking fees. To curb this, security personnel now require all drivers to show receipts before exiting the premises. Both managers agree that expanding this model could create a significant number of new jobs for the local population.
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