Games Theory: Major DU revamp coming up

DU will go for a major expansion of infrastructure and revamp of the campus traffic system in the run up to the Commonwealth Games, reports Amitabh Shukla.

While retaining its heritage value and architectural structures, the Delhi University will go for a major expansion of infrastructure and revamp of the campus traffic system in the run up to the Commonwealth Games.

HT Image

Vice Chancellor of DU, Deepak Pental, unveiled the broad plans in a presentation to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, Education Minister Arvinder Singh and senior officials of the government.

Some of the broad features of the presentation include construction of 3 hostels in Dhaka area of north Delhi to house around 3,000 students, shifting of the Campus Law Centre to this place and conversion of the Haryana bus depot into a educational hub of the university. To link it with the north campus which is just 1.5 to 2 km away, there would be a shuttle service. "The new campus would technically be a part of the old one, but would have several features keeping in view the needs of students in the 21st century," said an official.

The traffic plan earmarks all roads leading to the north campus only for one way traffic. Only the central road would remain open for traffic from both sides. "This will check the invasion of large number of vehicles and prevent the campus from becoming a traffic hazard," said the official present in the meeting.

On the part of the government, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit asked the PWD and MCD to bring a facelift on the roads in Delhi University. They would also be widened wherever necessary. She asked the traffic police to prepare an action plan for implementation of one-way traffic system in the campus before Commonwealth Games. The government also decided to construct seven Foot Over Bridges or walking underpasses in the University.

In the meeting, Dikshit assessed the requirements of DU for the Commonwealth Games. As DU would be the venue for some of the events, it was decided to give it a makeover. Funds for the projects were not discussed. However, officials said that the government would loosen its purse for the DU even as it is a central university.

For sprucing the infrastructure, it was decided to develop one indoor gymnasium, stadium and athletic practice track in the university campus.

Athletic practice track would be developed inside the polo ground near the University, which would be further utilised for imparting post graduate degree in physical education. The University has appointed Engineers India Limited as consultant for carrying out works necessary in view of the Commonwealth Games.