Since a bit more than a couple of years ago, Delhi has been preparing for the Commonwealth Games in full swing. Sure, its a hassle right now for the public but it will all be worth it once its completed...at least we hope so.
Its a prestige for Delhi to be hosting the
2010 Commonwealth Games and the government is doing its best to enhance the city to meet the promised standards. A budget of Rs. 1189 crores has been allotted for the development of infrastructure in the city.
First off, Delhi roads were always considered better than any other city in India. Now it was time to revamp them to meet the growing traffic needs of the city. So, a lot of new flyovers are being constructed and there are plans of modifying current flyovers to expand their reach. Then, there are plans of adding new arterial and approach roads to improve traffic within the city as well as reduce congestion on the National Highways. A Road Improvement Plan has also been created for 52 roads of an approximate length of 65kms. Also, there are plans of constructing underground tunnels to connect the Games Village to the venues and city road networks.
Besides roads, public transport is also improving in the city. Already the
Delhi Mass Rapid Transmit System, also known as the Delhi Metro, is a huge success and is a well maintained, very efficient means of transport within the city. They are adding more routes, lines and stations and connectivity to neighboring cities such as Gurgaon in Haryana and Noida in Uttar Pradesh. There are plans of constructing nine new subways and improving the current subway systems. The new high capacity low floored buses are also plying now in the city.
Some more good news for Delhi residents is that multi level parking spaces are being introduced as the city is already ridiculed with the parking problem, not to mention what will happen once the new
Tata Nano (the Rs.100,000 or around $2,300 car*) and the like are introduced in the market.
The Commonwealth Games being hosted in Delhi is sweet music for tourists and travelers too, as a new international airport is being planned and the current airport is being revamped as well, allowing Delhi to host many more flights. Also, a lot more five-star hotels and shopping centers are being added in the city.
All in all, Delhi is getting its act together and has two more years to do so. Some funny rules are to be carried out such as ensuring the removal of both cows and beggars from the streets before the Commonwealth starts. The process is tedious, involving huge amounts of money and lots of inconvenience to the public. Diversions everywhere, roads are blocked, and average time traveling on the road is doubled. But soon enough, Delhi shall evolve into a world class metropolitan living up its title as the capital of the emerging superpower of the world.
Sources:
http://www.cwgdelhi2010.org/
http://www.aises.gov.au/general/delhi-2010-news
http://www.delhicapital.com/
Map of the Delhi Metro -
http://www.delhicapital.com/delhi-metro/metro-maps.html
*Note: Exchange rate as of 07/07/08, 14:15 hours Eastern Time.
