A three-level underground parking, constructed at a cost of Rs.31.4 crore and with a capacity to park 360 cars, was inaugurated in the E-Block Market of Hauz Khas here on Sunday by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley. The parking would be opened to the public from March 1 on a trial basis so that users get used to services and system. A tree-plantation drive would be carried out to provide a green cover to the parking and a path for walkers would also be constructed. Speaking about the population growth and growth of economic activity in the city, Mr. Jaitely said there was a need for infrastructural improvements to meet the pressure of providing services to people. He added that a strong public transport system was the need of the hour, and the only way to check the ever increasing number of private vehicles. Speaking about the need of “no-vehicle zones” in the city, Mr. Jaitley said: “Commercial areas like Connaught Place and South Extension, which are congested commercial areas, should be made ‘no vehicle zones' and a community parking needs to be developed in nearby locations so that citizens can park their vehicles and use public transport to reach their destination.” He further suggested traffic regulations to be evolved for such zones to help in decongestion. “Mass rapid public transport system is another need of the city so that citizens are discouraged from using private vehicles. When a citizen gets an opportunity to reach the destination in a fixed time rather than depending on the traffic in his private vehicle, they will certainly opt for public transport,” said Mr. Jaitley. Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Delhi Mayor Rajni Abbi and senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi leaders were also present besides markets and residents' welfare association representatives. Ms. Abbi urged the people to construct “stilt parking where new houses are constructed” to create more space for parking. She added that the MCD would provide some “rebate in property tax” to encourage this.