DDA plans mega projects

A cycle-sharing system in Dwarka, five transit hubs linking all modes of transport, a greenway corridor along the regenerated Barapullah drain and plazas close to upcoming 65 Metro stations are some of the projects that the DDA may undertake in the coming months.

These initiatives of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) were firmed up at a review meeting by Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, a day after he set the ball rolling on for the process for regularising over 1,600 unauthorised colonies in the city.

The land-owning agency, which is controlled by Naidu’s ministry, is also looking at promoting commercial activities within 500 metres of Metro stations to help people find employment close to their homes.

Five self-sustained sub-cities – with education, health and employment facilities – would also come up to share the load of increasing population in the capital. The proposed cycle-sharing system at Dwarka sub-city in west Delhi would be the country’s first such endeavour, said a statement issued by Naidu’s office.

“This system will cover 65 sq km of area with 300 cycle stations with modern smart card-based interface, computerised docking facilities and women-friendly cycles,” it said.
“This system for which tender has been floated to choose the vendor will be fully functional within year,” it said.

The DDA, which is controlled by the Central government, would also develop public plazas, food courts and shopping areas within catchment areas of most of the 65 stations of Delhi Metro Phase-III.

“A South Delhi Greenway Corridor will be developed by cleaning the 12 km-long Barapullah drain using bio-remediation techniques to create safe, vibrant public places for public including women and children,” the statement said.

“A cycling highway corridor will be developed connecting south Delhi to central business districts,” it said.

The DDA would also develop five integrated passenger terminals in the form of transit hubs to provide seamless integration between different modes like aeroplanes, trains, the Metro and buses, with feeder services for the last-mile connectivity.

These terminals would come up at Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, Dwarka Sector-21, Tikri Kalan and Kashmir Gate and also provide accommodation facilities for regional and international commuters.