In view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, a detailed action plan has been put into implementation on 56 roads and lanes in Paharganj where over 500 hotels and lodges have been functioning and which are expected to host thousands of visitors during the international sporting event.
On Thursday, Delhi Urban Development and Finance Minister A.K. Walia visited the area along with Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain to see the progress being made on the project under which a facelift is being given to Paharganj at a cost of Rs.80 crore by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Officials accompanying the two leaders informed that 56 roads and lanes are covered by the project. The roads are being re-laid and resurfaced with half-concrete portion and another half with pebbles; this second part will be used for parking.
Another parking for 100 cars is being built near Sheila Cinema on the main road and it will be managed with the help of the hotel associations and would be available exclusively to visitors. An information stall is also coming up and is likely to become operational within a few days near the Qutub Road flyover.
As part of the scheme, all hanging wires in the area would be removed and a separate duct would be developed to provide space for wires and pipes of different services. For this, the MTNL, Delhi Jal Board and power distribution companies have been taken on board.
During the inspection, Dr. Walia stressed the importance of adhering to uniformity and aesthetics while upgrading the Paharganj area. He said the new look should match with the other developmental works being undertaken by various agencies.
Hotels in Paharganj would play an important role during the Games as they would supplement the availability of accommodation for visitors. Since the area is very close to New Delhi railway station and Connaught Place, the need for upgrading it with due care and caution was also stressed. All the upgrading works at Paharganj are scheduled to be completed by June 2010.
Besides Paharganj, Dr. Walia and Dr. Sain also visited several other Commonwealth Games project sites. They went to the Vivek Vihar rail under-bridge and spoke about completing all these projects on time without compromising on the quality in any way.
Dr. Walia said quality was of utmost importance as these constructions would be permanent features. The rail under-bridge being constructed by the MCD at a cost of Rs.8.75 crore and is scheduled to be commissioned in March 2010. The under-bridge would provide an uninterrupted link between GT Road and Vivek Vihar ITI.
During the day, Dr. Walia also inspected various roads near the Red Fort where the MCD has taken up redevelopment of footpaths and central verge with a new design flooring and greenery respectively at a cost of Rs.2 crore.
