2 min readNew DelhiNov 19, 2013 02:14 AM IST
First published on: Nov 19, 2013 at 02:14 AM IST
Ever thought of sipping coffee sitting beneath the sandstone fountains located near the North Block and South Block of Vijay Chowk?
It will soon be a reality as the Central Public Works Department has announced plans to open coffee houses in the semi-underground structures under the two fountains in the next two to three months.
Officials said work for the project has already begun and tenders have also been floated. “We have already floated tenders for
Rs 14 lakh to remodel the semi-underground structure below the fountains. AC will also be installed in both these spaces even though this area will always remain cool because of the fountain on top,” a CPWD official said.
According to officials,the areas did operate coffee houses sometime in the 1970s. But they were later shut down. “Now,we are planning to revive those coffee houses. The work should be completed in the next two to three months. We are looking at one locally operated coffee house,while the other will can be allotted to a multinational coffee house,’’ the official said.
Vijay Chowk was planned as a commanding approach to the Viceroy’s House,which is now the Indian President’s residence.
In 2009,after two sandstone pillars at Vijay Chowk fell,CPWD had undertaken work of restoring Lutyens’ Delhi area to its former glory.
Recently,the CPWD has been working to dress up the India Gate area,which includes ensuring proper illumination of the paths along the lawns,stationing its own guards there and keeping it clean at all times.
CPWD is also trying to improve the upkeep of the lawns area by planting more flowers and watering the lawns regularly. The canals around the lawns have also been cleaned up.
Long-term measures for the project entail taking care of parking issues. “We have already sent parking plans to New Delhi Municipal Council for clearance. People who visit the area at night are forced to park their vehicles on the road. We have proposed parking along the walls against various government buildings located around India Gate. This will make the area more people-friendly,’’ an official said.
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