Eight new, improved subways for CP

With the Commonwealth Games now barely a year away, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is all set to become pedestrian friendly, reports Neelam Pandey.

With the Commonwealth Games now barely a year away, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is all set to become pedestrian friendly.

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The civic agency has decided to construct eight new subways in the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, besides redeveloping the existing subways in the area before October 2010—the commencement of the mammoth sporting event.

Unlike the present subways in the outer circle, the new subways will be disabled friendly, with a ramp at the entry/exit point. These subways will also be fitted with escalators for easy access. The entire façade of the subways will be restored according to the civic agency by giving it a more modernized design, which is aesthetically pleasing. "These subways will have granite flooring and granite staircases which will make it easier for maintenance. The outer façade of existing subways will also be restored,"said a senior NDMC official.

The subways will also be connected to the central cooling mechanism that is to be installed in Connaught Place.

To make the subways secure, the civic agency is also planning to have an effective security system complete with closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs). The cost of the project is Rs. 35 crore.

According to NDMC, Engineers India Limited, the consultant company hired for the makeover of CP, invited bids last month from interested parties for work on the subways.

"Three bids have been short listed but work is yet to be awarded. Work will start by next month," said the official. "The idea is people will be able to move from inner to outer circle by merely using the subways."

According to the proposal, a road level pedestrian subway will be constructed between K block and Yusuf Zai Market. The seven other subways will be underground.