DDA to revamp infrastructure at seven district centres

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Development Authority has decided to upgrade the infrastructure at its seven district centres in the city. The decision was taken in a bid to address the growing problem of traffic congestion in and around these centres.

The land-owning agency has directed Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre ( UTTIPEC) to prepare detailed plans for each centre. The proposal was approved in the recent authority meeting.

DDA officials said these centres were planned as per the provisions of the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD). The road networks were planned according to the population projection in the MPD.

"Provision for traffic infrastructure had not been done prior to the disposal of these commercial plots. The cost towards provision of infrastructure in and around these centres was also not added to the project," said a DDA official.

Over a period of time, the load on infrastructure has increased manifold. DDA now is working on short and long term plans to decongest the centres. The agency plans to upgrade the infrastructure to ensure smooth movement of traffic, adequate parking space, pedestrian pathways, etc.

As part of the short term plans, the agency will focus on junction improvement by channelizing traffic and pedestrians, traffic management through one way movement, traffic-calming measures like table-top crossings, 3D zebra markings, rumble strips, etc.

It also plans to construct grade separators, construct new bypasses, foot overbridges and dedicated non-motorised vehicle lanes. The upgradation work will be funded by the Union urban development ministry and DDA.