Colourful souvenirs that leave you with ‘Delhi Memories’

The cafes have been set up at busy places,and the going has been good so far. According to sellers,most people opt for t-shirts and coffee mugs,but caps are yet to find as many takers. A seller at a kiosk outside Palika Bazaar in Connaught Place said that his shop,which was opened four days ago,has been witnessing brisk sales. “Most customers come in after four in the evening and mistake my outlet for a Games merchandise shop. I have been selling souvenirs worth about Rs 3,000 everyday,” he said.

These cafes are an extension of the Government-to-Citizens (G2C) kiosks. The objective is to brand Delhi as well as provide tourists and city residents with immediate access to information on the city. The cafes,set up in collaboration with Veh Pahuja and Associates,also have touchscreens that provide information on accommodation,transport and places to visit,among others.

Speaking to Newsline,Ved Pahuja said he had submitted the proposal for branding Delhi to the government more than a year ago. “The government liked the idea,and now,40 kiosks are being set up across the city — 30 in MCD areas and 10 in NDMC areas,” said Pahuja.

He said while MCD has allotted him with the required land for three months,his agreement with NDMC lasts till October 31. Pahuja said he is trying to have permanent fixtures made,so that the branding of Delhi is not restricted only to the Games. The original plan also included serving Indian snacks,but it was stopped in many kiosks for lack of a good response. The first such cafes were set up at Gol Market and Red Fort on September 20. Others have been set up near Janpath mini market,DU,Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Lajpat Nagar.