8.3.22

Delhi: Key Stretches Are Set For Makeover


The Public Works Department has planned elaborate horticulture measures for streetscaping sample roads in the city. These model stretches will have exotic plants and species like Erythrina indica (Indian coral tree), Washingtonia filifera(California palm) and Terminalia mantaly. The project for each road section has three aspects: horticulture work,civil work and engineering. To give road users an exquisite view, special cone and ball shaped Carmona shrubs will be used on segments in Lodhi Road. Others will get flowering plants under the streetscaping plan. On KN Katju Marg, plants like Murraya exotica, Strelitzia reginae (Bird of paradise) and Chorisia speciosa will be planted to beautify the road. All plants will be maintained by the contractor. Action on the instructions of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to transform some of the roads in the capital into those existing in Europe in terms of quality and appearance, PWD has identified nine sample stretches of roads. Keeping in mind each area’s different topography, the roads will have a different look while promoting pedestrian movement. For each of the stretches, special consultants have been hired by the public construction agency to come up with project estimates and road redesigning plans. On Ring Road, the 800-metre stretch between the Bhairon Marg T junction and Shantivan, which is being developed at the cost of more than Rs 12 crore, will be lined
with Cassia fistula, commonly known as golden shower trees for their yellow flowers, along with plants like Song of India. Each of the model stretches will have a set of three kiosks, tactile paver blocks and granite stone cobble flooring. For the comfort of the pedestrians, machine cut Red Agra stone benches will be placed at regular intervals along the roads.

Dustbins and movable water telling machines with a storage capacity between 250 and 300litres will also be placed on the segments. At these water units, normal and chilled water will be available. The road segments being redeveloped will also take green measures like use of rainwater. PWD has made specific mention of rainwater harvesting units being set up on the model stretches to collect and recharge the groundwater. Delhi government has plans to redesign 540 km of road length in the city and upgrade them to standards prevailing in Europe.

The agency has a budget of ₹11,000 crore to accomplish this ambitious task. However, for now PWD is just tackling pilot work on sample stretches. These will end up facilities such as bicycle lanes, green plantations, selfie points, parking lots and public art incorporated into the redesigning of the roads


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