Still booming

Mount Kailash offers more up-market accommodation. With three multi-stories towers that offer 2- and 3-BHK flats,as well as duplexes and condominiums,this colony has been a favourite for the discerning buyer. Also available are self-financed flats constructed by the Delhi Development Authority. While tower apartments are slightly more expensive,a 2-BHK can be rented at Rs 18,000 to Rs 24,000,flats in the SFS buildings are available for between Rs 16,000 to Rs 22,000.

While construction of the Delhi Metro line did face some initial setbacks,work is back on track and is likely to be completed as planned. “Residents were worried that the above-ground metro line would be a hindrance to the flow of traffic. The congestion would definitely make life more difficult for the elderly,” says Mount Kailash resident Cmdr Vishal Gupta,adding that around 35 per cent of the colony’s residents are senior citizens. “After resolving issues such as the relaying of gas and electricity lines,construction has taken off and things are looking better.”

Adds Verma,“Property prices will definitely rise once the metro is up and running. While purchase prices will likely not rise too much,we expect rentals to rise quite a bit. The rent for a 3-BHK flat in Mount Kailash,which can currently be had for Rs 28,000,is likely to rise to Rs 34,000 once the metro station located just outside the colony is functional.”

Speaking about East of Kailash’s ‘E’ and ‘F’ blocks,long-time resident Arjun Ghosh says,“These blocks haven’t changed significantly in the 20 years that I have lived here. While older bungalows are making way for 3- to 4-storied constructions,these two blocks manage to be reclusive while being in the thick of things.” Both ‘E’ and ‘F’ blocks of East of Kailash can be approached from the main road. Renting a 2-BHK apartment in these blocks could cost between Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000. Also available are single-room barsatis. These are available for around Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000,says Verma.

However,water is still a problem. While supply is erratic in blocks ‘C’ and ‘D’,the quality of water is a mater of concern in the entire area. Residents complain of brackish water having ruined their floor tiles and creating permanent stains on cement flooring. Residents are also apprehensive of new constructions on the main road,which they feel will add to traffic complications once the metro is running.

Though nobody can question the efficiency of the metro,people certainly appear to have their misgivings about the change it is bound to bring about in the area.