East Delhi set to transform its drab landscape into a new swanky space from 2015

NEW DELHI: A prime lake city complex, world- class railway station, transportation hub around metros and an amusement park are among major projects lined up by civic and urban bodies this year for east Delhi, which is set to transform its drab landscape into a new swanky space.

Sanjay Lake near Mayur Vihar is all set to assume a new avatar as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has cleared a redevelopment project that would see a lake city complex rise beside the water body, a city landmark.

"There would be commercial and residential facilities, swanky restaurants and eateries beside the lake that would celebrate nature and modernity in perfect harmony," a senior official of the DDA said.

Sanjay Lake is one of the 63 water bodies selected by DDA earlier this year for their revival under the PPP plan.

The complex will be based on 25 acres of mixed-use land located close to River Yamuna. It will come up on Transit- Oriented-Development (TOD) basis, which aims at promoting use of public transport over personal vehicles.

As part of its TOD plan for the city, DDA is all set to create an entire hub in Karkardooma, called 'East Hub' where residential, commercial and transportation facilities would be brought under it. It will be developed on the pattern of the Cyber Hub at Gurgaon.

"This project will be a city-level magnet incorporating technology, IT and world-class plazas, public space, commercial areas, offices spaces, residential areas, restaurants, among others," DDA said.

The project is next to two metro stations, Anand Vihar Railway Station, Anand Vihar ISBT, DTC bus terminal and residential colonies such as Anand Vihar.

The hi-tech project has also proposed "one 80-storey iconic tower" having retail, offices and hotels to make it a new signature destination in east Delhi.

DDA Vice-Chairman Balvinder Kumar said the hub would house the "tallest tower" in Delhi but did not specify whether it would stand at more than 80 storeys.

But, it's not just about swanky metro stations and hi-tech plazas, as the Anand Vihar railway station too is set to be revamped into a world-class infrastructure.

"Various state-of-the-art user facilities are being planned with provisions of air-conditioned lounges and waiting areas and escalators, lifts to access the station. Connectivity of Anand Vihar complex has also been planned with the proposed East-West Corridor for smooth traffic dispersal," the official said.

DELHI; PROJECTS 2 LAST Besides, another lake is all set to turn into a veritable tourist destination, as the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) has also approved the plan to revive and rejuvenate a lake in Shahdara's Welcome area.

"The redeveloped lake would have light and sound show, laser show, cafeteria, amphitheatre, meditation garden, and walkways besides other park furniture," a senior EDMC official said.

The water body spanning 17 acres would be refurbished as part of the Rs 22-crore Welcome Lake redevelopment project, which is set to reclaim this city landmark.

"A musical fountain was started in the lake about seven- eight years ago under the then unified Municipal Corporation of Delhi, but it stopped working later," the official said.

Besides, the EDMC has also set the ball rolling to build a 28-acre amusement park in Tahirpur area.

"After the closure of Appu Ghar, it would be the only amusement park of the capital, once opened. The standing committee has already passed the project," the official told PTI, adding the project will be taken up on a public-private- partnership basis and a consultant has already been hired for this.