Delhi’s Connaught Place Gears Up To Greet G20 Visitors

Civic authorities in the national capital Delhi are working nonstop on beautifying Connaught Place, the centre of the city, and the areas around the government buildings in preparation of the forthcoming G-20 conference.

The Connaught Place area has been freshly painted white and the plaster has been repaired, wherever needed, as part of the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) beautification efforts.

The verandahs of each market block have been rebuilt, while road markings, kerb stones, zebra crossing markings, and signs have all been fixed, according to officials. In addition, new LED bulbs have replaced the previous ones in the interior corridor lighting. At Palika Bazar, attempts to promote cleanliness have been strengthened.

The conservation and restoration of the Connaught Place building will be carried out in accordance with the area's heritage value thanks to an MoU that the NDMC and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) signed on 12 April. According to insiders, the NDMC has taken precautions to ensure that the significant beautification and renovation process does not compromise the colonial-era market's heritage significance.

Four fountains have been installed by NDMC as part of beautification efforts in the Lutyens' Delhi neighbourhood, one each on Barakhamba Road, Curzon Road, Sansad Marg, and Janpath. Plants are also being used to spruce up all of the nearby T-points. Designer statues of elephants and horses have also been placed on Akbar Road, and two lion statues have been erected on the roundabout close to the PM's residence.

In addition, the indoor parking area has been improved. “All of our efforts are aimed at ensuring that the G-20 delegates have a trouble-free stay in Delhi,” authorities said.