The N.O.W. (National Objective Works) Up-gradation of the District Centre at Bhikaji Cama Place represents a comprehensive urban renewal initiative aimed at revitalising one of New Delhi’s important commercial and institutional hubs. Bhikaji Cama Place has long functioned as a district-level centre with offices, commercial establishments, public institutions, and heavy daily footfall. Over time, however, ageing infrastructure, fragmented public spaces, traffic congestion, and inadequate pedestrian amenities necessitated a holistic redevelopment approach. The up-gradation project has therefore been conceived as a UDF (Urban Development Fund) Project, ensuring structured financing, integrated planning, and long-term sustainability.
Rationale and Need for Up-gradation
Bhikaji Cama Place occupies a strategic location in South Delhi, serving as a major employment node and transit-oriented commercial area. Despite its importance, the district centre faced several urban challenges such as deteriorated buildings, lack of organised commercial space, insufficient public amenities, poor-quality plazas, and inefficient circulation for pedestrians and vehicles. The absence of vibrant public realms and modern infrastructure limited the area’s potential as a contemporary district centre.
The N.O.W. up-gradation project addresses these shortcomings through comprehensive redevelopment on a Design, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis, combined with Operation and Maintenance (O&M), ensuring that the assets created remain functional and well-maintained over time.
Scope of Work under the Project
The project encompasses a wide range of infrastructure, architectural, and public realm interventions, transforming Bhikaji Cama Place into a modern, inclusive, and people-centric district centre.
Construction of Offices and Shops
A key component of the project is the construction and reorganisation of office and shop spaces. These spaces are designed to meet contemporary functional, safety, and accessibility standards. By providing organised commercial infrastructure, the project helps rationalise activities, reduce clutter, and improve the overall business environment. Modern office and retail spaces enhance economic productivity and support long-term commercial viability.
Public Toilets and Civic Amenities
Provision of modern public toilet facilities is an essential social infrastructure element in a high-footfall district centre. The toilets are designed with adequate capacity, hygiene standards, accessibility for persons with disabilities, water-efficient fixtures, and proper ventilation. These facilities significantly improve user comfort, dignity, and public health.
Renovation of Bhikaji Cama Bhawan
The renovation of Bhikaji Cama Bhawan is an important heritage-linked and functional component of the project. Renovation works include structural improvements, façade enhancement, internal space upgrades, and modern service integration. The revitalised building strengthens the identity of the district centre while preserving its institutional and architectural significance.
Plaza and Amphitheatre Development
To introduce vibrancy and social life into the district centre, the project includes the development of a central plaza and amphitheatre. These spaces serve as venues for public gatherings, cultural performances, informal meetings, and recreational activities. The plaza acts as a visual and social anchor for the area, transforming Bhikaji Cama Place from a purely functional commercial zone into an active public destination.
Tensile Shading Structures
Given Delhi’s extreme climatic conditions, tensile shading structures are provided over plazas, walkways, and key pedestrian areas. These structures improve thermal comfort, encourage outdoor activity, and add a contemporary architectural character to the district centre.
Development Works: Roads, Footpaths, and Parking
Comprehensive development works form the backbone of the up-gradation. Internal roads are improved with better surfacing, signage, and traffic management measures. Footpaths are redesigned to prioritise pedestrians, incorporating adequate widths, barrier-free access, tactile paving, and safe crossings.
Parking facilities are reorganised to reduce random on-street parking and improve traffic circulation. Structured and well-managed parking supports commercial activity while enhancing safety and efficiency.
Horticulture and Landscape Works
Horticulture and landscaping play a crucial role in improving the environmental quality of Bhikaji Cama Place. The project includes tree plantation, landscaped plazas, green buffers, and planters, helping reduce heat stress, dust, and noise while improving visual appeal. Use of native and low-maintenance plant species ensures sustainability and ease of upkeep.
Lifts, Escalators, and Universal Accessibility
To ensure inclusivity and ease of movement, lifts and escalators are integrated into key buildings and pedestrian connections. These features enhance accessibility for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and visitors, aligning the district centre with universal design principles.
Electrification and Allied Works
Up-gradation of electrical infrastructure includes energy-efficient LED lighting, decorative and façade lighting, underground cabling, and reliable power distribution systems. Allied works such as CCTV surveillance, fire safety systems, signage, and ICT infrastructure contribute to safety, security, and smart management of the district centre.
EPC Mode and Operation & Maintenance
Execution on an EPC basis ensures single-point accountability for design quality, construction, timelines, and cost control. Inclusion of Operation and Maintenance within the project framework ensures that the newly created infrastructure remains functional, safe, and aesthetically maintained over the specified period, maximising value for public investment.
Financial Details and Project Timeline
The estimated project cost for the up-gradation is ₹59.99 crore, while the sanctioned cost stands at ₹61.82 crore, reflecting the comprehensive scope of redevelopment works. The project commenced on 19 December 2019, marking the start of systematic transformation under the UDF framework. The scale of investment highlights the strategic importance of Bhikaji Cama Place as a district centre within New Delhi.
Conclusion
The N.O.W. Up-gradation of the District Centre at Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi, represents a holistic urban renewal effort that integrates commercial redevelopment, public amenities, cultural spaces, improved mobility, landscaping, and modern infrastructure. Implemented as a UDF Project on EPC basis with O&M, it not only upgrades physical assets but also enhances livability, accessibility, and economic vitality. Once completed, the redeveloped Bhikaji Cama Place is poised to emerge as a modern, vibrant, and inclusive district centre, setting a strong example for sustainable and people-centric urban regeneration in New Delhi.
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