A new-look Batra complex

Students of Delhi University’s north campus will soon have a new hang-out area near Batra cinema.

Students of Delhi University’s north campus will soon have a new hang-out area near Batra cinema.

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has embarked on a new project to revamp the commercial complex situated next to the cinema hall, which is presently in a dilapidated condition.

A proposal has been prepared in this regard and will be tabled in the civic body’s house meeting on Monday. Once a green signal is given, work will start within three months’ time.

Under the project, the entire complex would be developed, pathways would be upgraded, new sleek street furniture would be installed, and the drainage area would be improved too.

“The commercial complex is quite old and worn out. We are planning to improve the drainage system as Mukherjee Nagar is a low-lying area and whenever it rains the entire complex is waterlogged,” said Rajni Abbi, a BJP councillor who has proposed the plan.

“We plan to make the area more pleasant, creating adequate seating arrangements for the students who throng the area, and proper lighting arrangements,” she added.

“A multi-level parking lot would be constructed near an apartment complex. A number of DU students frequent the area so we want to provide better facilities to them such as food kiosks outside the commercial complex,” said a senior MCD official. The cost of the project is Rs 4. 76 crore.

Students are quite upbeat about the proposal to renovate the area.

“It’s about time they upgraded the complex. Right now it’s so dingy that we think twice before going there as it is poorly lit. Once it is developed more students would hang out there,” said Rashmi Mittal, a student of DU.