Paharganj all set for a facelift

Delhi’s haven for foreign tourists traveling on a shoestring budget, Paharganj, is all set for a makeover. The grimy lanes and potholed roads will be re-laid, thanks to the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2010, reports HT Correspondent.

Delhi’s haven for foreign tourists traveling on a shoestring budget, Paharganj, is all set for a makeover. The grimy lanes and potholed roads will be re-laid, thanks to the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2010.

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) would carry out the renovation at a cost of Rs 80 crore.

The civic agency has already started work on 56 roads and lanes where hotels are situated.

“Half of the road will be concrete, while the other half would be pebbled. The pebbled part will be used for parking,” said an MCD official.

Delhi Finance Minister A.K. Walia, who inspected the work with Delhi Mayor Kunwar Sain, said: “MCD needs more funds for the Games related projects and we have assured them help, provided they give us specific plans.”

A car parking with the capacity for 100 cars would also be build outside Sheila Cinema as part of the revamp plan, said an official.

An information kiosk would come up near Qutab Road.

Walia said MTNL, DJB, and the private power distribution companies have been asked to ensure that no loose wires are left exposed.

The hotels in the area were expected to supplement accommodation for visitors during the Games.

The government is keenly following the redevelopment of Paharganj because of its proximity to Connaught Place and New Delhi railway station.

“A lot of tourists come and live here. We don’t want them to go back thinking this is what Delhi is about,” said a government official.