SMC to utilize empty space under bridges

SURAT: Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to beautify empty space under the bridges in the city. Ten consultants would be roped in to suggest ideas for development of an estimated 2 lakh square metre of empty space under the bridges.
The number of bridges in the city would cross 100 with the inauguration of a flyover next week. But for Ring Road and Varachha flyovers, space under majority of bridges has remained under utilized and turned into dump yards at many places for people.
"We want to utilize the empty space, make city look beautiful, provide additional facilities to people and earn revenue for SMC by providing a number of avenues to them from under the bridges," city engineer Bharat Dalal said.
The 10 consultants, who would be appointed by the SMC Standing Committee, would suggest ideas for development of empty space and plans for their execution. SMC wants food plazas, landscaping, gardens, shantivans, railway reservation centres, police chowkies, vegetable markets, pay & use outlets, pay and park sites, parking for BRTS and city buses and night bazaars at the empty space under the bridges.
Standing Committee chairman Rajesh Desai said, "We need space and learn to use that is available with us. This facelift would give a better look to the city. Smart Surat also means a city which is smart in terms of space usage and beauty." SMC has been earning handsome revenue by letting out the empty spaces under Varachha and Ring Road flyovers. Proper utilization of the empty space here has helped in easing traffic movement and parking problem.