Lucknow: Rumi Darwaza and the surrounding heritage zone in Lucknow are set to get major traffic relief as the Lucknow Development Authority has announced plans to develop a large parking facility near the iconic monument. The proposed project aims to address persistent traffic congestion caused by illegal roadside parking in the busy Hussainabad area.
During an inspection of the heritage zone on Wednesday, LDA Vice Chairman Prathamesh Kumar directed officials to expedite preparations for the project. He said nearly 9,000 square metres of land adjacent to Rumi Gate had been identified for the construction of the parking facility.
According to the plan, the parking area will accommodate around 15 buses, 150 four-wheelers, and nearly 300 two-wheelers. The project is estimated to cost approximately ₹3 crore. A 14-metre-wide corridor will be developed beside Rumi Gate for vehicle entry and exit, while pedestrians will be provided an alternative access route through Musafir Khana Gate.
Officials said the project would significantly improve traffic management around key tourist attractions, including Bara Imambara, the Clock Tower, and Rumi Gate, making travel easier for both residents and tourists visiting the heritage zone.
In addition, another parking facility covering around 700 square metres will be developed near the under-construction library behind the Hussainabad Food Court.
Contractor Fined for Slow Progress Near Residency
During the inspection, the LDA Vice Chairman also reviewed the ongoing placemaking project near The Residency. Dissatisfied with the slow pace of work, he imposed a fine of ₹1.5 lakh on the executing agency, M/s F.N. & Company.
He later visited Suraj Kund Park and directed officials to remove illegal hutments and tin sheds near the premises. Instructions were also issued to install biometric attendance systems for park employees.
‘Lajeez Gali’ to Open This Month
The LDA is also preparing to operationalise “Lajeez Gali” in Hussainabad later this month. The food street project includes 15 food kiosks aimed at promoting local cuisine and tourism. Construction of a toilet block is currently underway, and officials have been instructed to complete all remaining work within 15 days.
Authorities believe the initiative will create employment opportunities for local workers while boosting tourism in the heritage zone.
New Fountain to Be Activated at Nimbu Park
The Vice Chairman also inspected Nimbu Park, where beautification and horticulture work has recently been completed. Officials were directed to make the newly installed fountain operational at the earliest and plant different varieties of lemon trees across the park premises.
Senior LDA engineers and officials, including Chief Engineer Manvendra Singh and Horticulture Officer S.K. Bharti, were present during the inspection.
