Make in India lion, boat, sweeping arches to mark Delhi's new gateways

New Delhi: A 'Make in India' lion, a boat-like structure, and sweeping arches will greet visitors at Delhi's borders, with gateways proposed at Apsara, Loni and Noida-Mayur Vihar.

The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has proposed building gateways at entry points at the city's Noida-Mayur Vihar, Dilshad Garden-Apsara border, and Loni border.

At the Noida-Mayur Vihar border, the gateway proposed will be an M-shaped structure arching above the carriageway to frame a 'Welcome to Delhi' sign.


According to an official, the gateway will feature a semi-circular arch with textured panels rising above the road and will be illuminated to give the busy crossing a more striking outlook.

The Dilshad Garden-Apsara Border gateway will have the lion emblem of Centre's flagship 'Make in India' scheme as a statue, with interlocking gear motifs, integrated into an architectural framework, the official told PTI.

The gateway at Loni, located in the Upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab, will see a large boat-like structure that evokes rivers.

The official said the three structures are part of a wider construction and beautification project with an estimated cost of around Rs 30 crore. The project is scheduled for completion in eight months, he added.

According to another official, each of these gateways will have its own artwork and architecture based on themes of Heritage Delhi, Indraprastha, Democracy, Yamuna, the city's gardens, cultural capital, Republic, unity in diversity, and Delhi through the ages.

The move follows a similar plan for border entry points at Kapashera, Auchandi, Arjangarh and Dhansa at Rs 39.90 crore.

Gateways there draw inspiration from Delhi's history and identity - guru-student relationship at Kapashera, heritage figures at Auchandi, the Ashoka Chakra and pillars at Arjangarh, and King Anangpal Tomar at Dhansa.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said the initiative would help improve Delhi's identity and image.

Earlier, announcing the budget for the current financial year, Gupta proposed building 13 entry gates and the roundabouts in the city at Rs 300 crore.