PWD plans ₹4.6cr makeover of Delhi Gate junction

New Delhi: Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed a redesign of the busy Delhi Gate junction on Asaf Ali Road, planning a large central island as part of its ongoing beautification drive. Estimated to cost Rs 4.6 crore, the project seeks to introduce public amenities in an area currently dominated by vehicular traffic.The proposed works will span the stretch between Netaji Subhash Marg, leading towards Red Fort and Asaf Ali Road, a key arterial corridor that sees heavy daily movement. At present, the junction functions largely as a traffic-heavy intersection, with little space for pedestrians or any defined public use. According to the layout plan, the island is envisioned as more than a conventional traffic divider. PWD has proposed a landscaped park with seating areas, a fountain and paved walkways. The design also includes a children's play area, a skating rink and designated parking spaces, signalling an effort to turn the junction into a more organised and visually appealing urban node. Officials said the selected contractor will have responsibilities beyond construction, including preparing as-built drawings, securing statutory clearances, conducting pre-commissioning tests as per standards, and meeting warranty obligations for all equipment, fixtures and fittings. The contractor will also assess soil conditions and other site parameters before execution.To ensure timely completion, the contractor must submit a detailed time-and-progress chart outlining stage-wise milestones. The schedule will be reviewed by the engineer-in-charge and may be modified within a stipulated period to avoid delays, while factoring in pending drawings and approvals. A key challenge, however, will be ensuring that beautification does not compromise accessibility or road efficiency. If implemented as planned, the project could reshape the Delhi Gate junction from a purely traffic-oriented space into a more structured and people-friendly urban intersection.