Bharat Petroleum says they don't have parking space in Mumbai

Lorry troubles seem to have parked themselves with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL)

Lorry troubles seem to have parked themselves with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). A day after mid-day published a report on the illegal parking of trucks containing LPG and oil near its Chembur refinery, it was revealed BPCL approached the state urban development department a week ago to request them to allot a parking space near the refinery, instead of giving one in Wadala. However, it hasn't received a reply to that request yet. A senior BPCL official said, "With the parking issue leading to problems in the nearby residential area and school, we have approached the state urban development department, and requested them to allot a space for the vehicles near the refinery to allow easy access."

Last week's fire hasn't deterred drivers from illegally parking their lorries full of LPG cylinders and oil on the stretch. Pic/Ashish Raje

Potentially harmful
In the November 14 report titled 'Lorry and behold, a potential mishap', mid-day highlighted how the illegally parked trucks that come for refills at the refinery, are posing a threat to residents of the area and a school in the wake of the Monorail mishap. The official added, "The vehicles are allowed to park at the Wadala truck terminus, but it is a long route that is filled with traffic. We have asked the traffic department to let the vehicles use the freeway from Wadala to Mysore Colony, so they can reach on time." However, a senior official from the Mumbai police said the Wadala truck terminus too is not a safe place to park. "The terminus is also surrounded with construction and is in the heart of the city. [Parking there] will result in further traffic and congestion problems for the residents. The vehicles were previously allowed to park inside the refinery, but were disallowed following a mishap."

Also read: LPG trucks parked illegally under Mysore Colony monorail station could be a safety threat

An alternative?
Meanwhile, local activists and police officials have suggested to government bodies to allow parking at the Octroi Naka near Mankhurd. "The Octroi Naka is close and the space is vacant. The open space is also out of the city limits and has an entry and exit. If the government takes a decision, it would be a better parking space," said the senior official.

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