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With the Commonwealth Games 2010 drawing close, the host city Delhi gears up its preparations for the mega event. The plans are underway for providing supporting facilities to cater to the requirements that will arise during the influx of tourists and sport buffs. The city is undergoing a major facelift to build adequate infrastructure by 2010. The Government of India is spending $17.5 billion for overall modernization of the capital city. The plans are also ahead to offer sops for hotels and resorts for commonwealth games to fill up the chasm between available accommodation and the demand during the games.
Infrastructure
New Delhi is a world class city with modern sophistications already in place. For 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, the city is undergoing a rapid facelift. Development of mass rapid transit system, construction of new highways, development of public transport system, construction of new power plants, water utility services and health care services is in the full swing. New games venues are being constructed and the old ones are being renovated. The emphasis is placed on overall city beautification, traffic management, parking space, security and health services. A modern Games Village is being built on the banks of Yamuna which will accommodate 8500 athletes and officials. Situated near the major sights of tourist attraction, the Games Village will be spread over an area of 63.5 hectares.
Transport
Transport is one of the most concerned area for the planners. Plans are underway to construct new flyovers, cloverleafs and bridges to provide connectivity to the games stadia, hospitals and Games Village. National highways are being expanded and widened. Plans are ahead to make Delhi's both ring roads signal free. For linking Ring road to Lodhi Road, a four-lane, 2.2-km-long tunnel is proposed which will link Games Village to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. High Capacity Bus Systems are planned to be operational on 9 corridors by 2010. Delhi Metro is also being expanded to accommodate more people during the 2010 games. Indira Gandhi International Airport is undergoing a major revampment. A two tier terminal will be constructed by 2010 games. The bottom area of this terminal will be used for arrivals while top level for departures. There will be 130 check-in counters, 55 aerobridges, 30 parking bays, 72 immigration counters, 15 X-ray screening areas and much more at IGI by the year 2010. The airport will be connected to the city via a 6-lane highway (NH8) and Delhi Metro.
Energy
To meet the energy requirements for Commonwealth Games 2010, New Delhi is undertaking a large power production initiative to increase power production to 7000 megawatt from the current 4500 megawatt. Towards this end, power production is being streamlined and new power plants are under construction.
Other Preparations
In view of high influx of English-speaking tourists during the games, New Delhi has implemented a program to teach English to low-income individuals who will have high-frequency contacts with the tourists. They include drivers, waiters, security men and service staff. In addition, migrant beggars are being relocated to their home states by Delhi High Court.
With eyes on the New Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010, city is all set to welcome the extravaganza with its high-end preparations such as modern transit systems, global standard accommodation and state-of-the-art tourist facilities.
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