(ii) Up-gradation of District Centre, Nehru Place – Construction of MLCP at Modi Tower (UDF Project)

Multi Level Car Parking (MLCP) is an essential component of modern urban infrastructure, particularly in dense commercial districts where land availability is limited and parking demand is exceptionally high. An MLCP is a vertically developed parking structure designed to accommodate a large number of vehicles within a compact footprint by stacking parking floors. In cities like Nehru Place, where commercial intensity, daily footfall, and vehicular inflow are extremely high, MLCPs play a decisive role in managing traffic congestion, improving accessibility, and enhancing the overall urban environment.

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Concept and Importance of MLCP

The fundamental concept of an MLCP is efficient utilisation of scarce urban land. Instead of spreading parking across surface lots—which consume valuable land and disrupt urban activity—MLCPs provide structured, organised, and safer parking solutions. These facilities help decongest roads by reducing on-street and haphazard parking, thereby improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

MLCPs are particularly relevant in district centres and central business districts, where parking demand peaks during working hours. They also support public transport systems by enabling park-and-walk or park-and-ride behaviour, indirectly contributing to sustainable urban mobility.

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Urban Need for MLCPs in Commercial Districts

High-density commercial areas face multiple parking-related challenges:

• Chronic roadside parking leading to traffic bottlenecks
• Reduced carriageway capacity and unsafe pedestrian conditions
• Increased travel time and fuel consumption
• Visual clutter and poor urban aesthetics

An MLCP addresses these issues by centralising parking in a managed facility, freeing up surface space for better pedestrian infrastructure, landscaping, and public amenities.

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MLCP as Part of Urban Up-gradation Strategy

MLCPs are no longer seen as standalone parking structures. In contemporary urban projects, they are integrated into area up-gradation and redevelopment strategies, supporting commercial revitalisation, public realm improvement, and economic efficiency. When planned under structured funding mechanisms such as Urban Development Fund (UDF) projects, MLCPs also ensure financial discipline, lifecycle management, and long-term sustainability.

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(ii) Up-gradation of District Centre, Nehru Place

Construction of Multi Level Car Parking (MLCP) at Modi Tower (UDF Project)

The Construction of a Multi Level Car Parking (MLCP) at Modi Tower, Nehru Place is a key component of the broader up-gradation of the Nehru Place District Centre. This project has been taken up as a UDF Project and is being implemented on a Design, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, ensuring single-point responsibility and integrated delivery.

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Project Scope and Objectives

The primary objective of constructing the MLCP at Modi Tower is to systematically address the acute parking shortage in Nehru Place, which experiences one of the highest daily vehicular inflows in Delhi. The project aims to:

• Accommodate a large volume of cars in a structured manner
• Reduce roadside and surface parking
• Improve traffic circulation within the district centre
• Enhance pedestrian safety and walkability
• Support commercial activity through better accessibility

The MLCP is designed along with all associated development works and services, including internal circulation, ramps, lighting, fire safety systems, drainage, signage, and external area development.

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Financial Details and Project Timeline

The sanctioned project cost for the construction of the MLCP is ₹70.15 crore, reflecting the scale and complexity of the infrastructure. Out of this, ₹62.40 crore has been allocated towards execution of works under the EPC contract.

The project commenced on 14 June 2020, marking the beginning of on-site activities. The financial and temporal structuring under the UDF framework ensures better monitoring, accountability, and alignment with the overall redevelopment goals of Nehru Place.

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Design and Planning Features

The MLCP at Modi Tower is planned as a high-capacity, user-friendly parking facility, compatible with the dense commercial character of Nehru Place. Key design considerations include:

• Multi-level vertical configuration to maximise parking capacity within limited land
• Efficient ramp design for smooth entry and exit, minimising internal congestion
• Adequate clear heights and bay dimensions to accommodate different vehicle types
• Fire detection and firefighting systems, as per safety norms
• Energy-efficient lighting and ventilation, improving operational sustainability
• Universal accessibility provisions, including lifts and clear pedestrian pathways

The structure is designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding built environment while maintaining functional efficiency.

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EPC Mode and Development Works

Execution on EPC mode ensures that design optimisation, construction efficiency, and cost control are achieved under a single contractual framework. This approach reduces coordination issues between designers and contractors and accelerates project delivery.

In addition to the main parking structure, the project includes:

• Internal and external road development
• Stormwater drainage and utility integration
• Electrical works, signage, and traffic management systems
• Landscaping and interface treatment with surrounding areas

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Role of MLCP in Nehru Place Up-gradation

The MLCP at Modi Tower is a strategic intervention within the overall up-gradation of the Nehru Place District Centre. By removing a substantial volume of vehicles from surface roads, it allows the district centre to reclaim space for footpaths, plazas, landscaping, and safer circulation. This directly complements other redevelopment initiatives such as pedestrian improvements, public amenities, and commercial revitalisation.

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Conclusion

The construction of the Multi Level Car Parking at Modi Tower, Nehru Place, under the UDF Project, represents a critical step towards addressing one of the most pressing urban challenges in major commercial hubs—parking management. With a sanctioned cost of ₹70.15 crore, execution cost of ₹62.40 crore, and commencement on 14.06.2020, the project reflects a structured, well-financed, and strategic urban intervention. More than just a parking facility, the MLCP serves as a catalyst for traffic decongestion, pedestrian safety, and overall improvement in the functionality and image of Nehru Place as a premier district centre in New Delhi.

Treated effluent water supply lines form a critical component of modern urban water management systems, especially in water-stressed regions. Treated effluent water refers to wastewater that has undergone primary, secondary, and in many cases tertiary treatment in sewage treatment plants (STPs) to make it suitable for non-potable uses. Dedicated treated effluent water supply lines are laid to transport this reclaimed water from treatment facilities to various end-use points such as parks, industries, power plants, and construction sites. Their use reflects a shift from a linear “use-and-dispose” water model to a more sustainable circular water economy.

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Purpose of Treated Effluent Water Supply Lines

The primary purpose of treated effluent water supply lines is to reduce dependence on freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater. By segregating potable and non-potable water systems, cities can ensure that high-quality freshwater is reserved for drinking and domestic needs, while treated wastewater is productively reused for activities that do not require drinking-water quality.

These pipelines are usually colour-coded (often purple or green) and clearly marked to avoid cross-connection with potable water lines, ensuring public health safety.

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Major Uses of Treated Effluent Water

1. Landscaping and Green Areas
One of the most common uses of treated effluent water is irrigation of parks, gardens, road medians, green belts, sports complexes, golf courses, and institutional campuses. Landscaping demands large volumes of water, and using treated effluent significantly reduces pressure on freshwater supplies while supporting urban green cover.

2. Industrial Use
Industries use treated effluent water for cooling systems, boiler feed (after additional treatment if required), process water, and equipment washing. Dedicated effluent supply lines to industrial areas help industries meet sustainability norms and reduce groundwater extraction.

3. Construction Activities
Treated effluent water is widely used for construction purposes such as concrete mixing (subject to quality standards), curing, dust suppression, and site cleaning. Construction demand is temporary but intensive, making reclaimed water an ideal substitute for freshwater.

4. Power Plants and Infrastructure Facilities
Thermal power plants, district cooling systems, and large infrastructure installations use treated effluent water for cooling and auxiliary services. This application has high potential for large-scale water reuse.

5. Urban Services and Municipal Uses
Municipal bodies use treated effluent water for street washing, drain cleaning, flushing of public toilets, firefighting reserves, and maintenance of public spaces.

6. Agriculture and Peri-Urban Farming
In some cases, treated effluent water is used for irrigating non-food crops, fodder, biofuel plantations, or agriculture after ensuring compliance with safety standards. This use helps support livelihoods while conserving freshwater.

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Importance and Benefits of Treated Effluent Supply Lines

Water Conservation:
Reusing treated wastewater reduces freshwater withdrawals from rivers and aquifers, helping address water scarcity.

Environmental Protection:
Diverting treated effluent for reuse reduces pollution load in rivers and lakes, improving overall water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Energy and Cost Efficiency:
Supplying treated effluent locally through dedicated pipelines is often more energy-efficient and cost-effective than transporting freshwater over long distances.

Urban Resilience:
Cities with reclaimed water networks are better equipped to handle droughts and climate variability.

Compliance with Sustainability Goals:
Effluent reuse supports sustainable development goals related to water efficiency, sanitation, and environmental protection.

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Planning and Design Considerations

Proper planning of treated effluent water supply lines is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and acceptance:

• Segregated network design to prevent cross-contamination with potable water systems
• Quality standards based on end-use requirements (secondary or tertiary treated water)
• Storage infrastructure, such as balancing reservoirs and sumps, to manage supply-demand variations
• Pumping and pressure management, considering topography and distance
• Clear identification and signage of pipelines and outlets
• Monitoring systems for water quality, flow, and leakage

Public awareness and capacity-building among operators and users are equally important to build trust in reclaimed water systems.

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Challenges and Limitations

Despite clear benefits, treated effluent supply systems face challenges:

• Public perception issues, with resistance to using recycled water
• High initial investment for separate pipeline networks
• Operation and maintenance requirements, including regular quality monitoring
• Institutional coordination between water supply, sewerage, and urban development agencies

Addressing these challenges requires strong policy support, incentives for reuse, and transparent communication.

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Conclusion

Treated effluent water supply lines are a cornerstone of sustainable urban water management. By enabling safe and efficient reuse of wastewater, they help conserve freshwater, protect the environment, and support diverse urban, industrial, and infrastructural needs. As cities grow and water stress intensifies, integrating treated effluent supply networks into urban planning is no longer optional but essential. With proper design, regulation, and public engagement, treated effluent water can be transformed from a waste product into a valuable and reliable resource for long-term urban sustainability.

The Delhi Cycle Walkway represents an important step towards building a more sustainable, healthy, and inclusive urban transport system in Delhi. As one of the most populous and congested metropolitan regions in the world, Delhi faces severe challenges related to traffic congestion, air pollution, road safety, and declining quality of life. In this context, the development of dedicated cycle walkways—often integrated with pedestrian paths—has emerged as a critical intervention to encourage non-motorised transport (NMT), reduce dependency on private vehicles, and create people-centric streets.

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Concept of the Delhi Cycle Walkway

A cycle walkway in Delhi refers to a dedicated, clearly demarcated corridor designed primarily for cyclists and often combined with pedestrian infrastructure, ensuring safe and comfortable movement for non-motorised users. These facilities are typically separated from motorised traffic through physical barriers, level differences, landscaping, or markings. The concept aligns with global best practices in urban mobility, where cycling and walking are treated as essential modes of transport rather than residual activities.

In Delhi, cycle walkways are planned along arterial roads, sub-arterial corridors, transit-oriented development (TOD) zones, institutional areas, and recreational stretches. The aim is not only to provide infrastructure but also to reshape travel behaviour by making cycling and walking safer, more attractive, and socially acceptable.

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Need for Cycle Walkways in Delhi

The need for cycle walkways in Delhi arises from multiple urban challenges:

1. High traffic congestion: With rapid growth in private vehicle ownership, Delhi’s road space is heavily dominated by cars and two-wheelers.
2. Air pollution: Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to poor air quality, making a strong case for zero-emission modes such as cycling and walking.
3. Road safety concerns: Pedestrians and cyclists constitute a significant share of road accident victims due to the absence of safe infrastructure.
4. First- and last-mile connectivity: Cycle walkways play a crucial role in connecting residential areas to metro stations, bus stops, and activity centres.
5. Public health: Encouraging active travel helps address lifestyle diseases and improves overall well-being.

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Design Features of Delhi Cycle Walkways

Delhi’s cycle walkways incorporate several important design elements:

• Dedicated cycle lanes with adequate width, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 metres, depending on demand and right-of-way availability.
• Pedestrian footpaths alongside cycle tracks, ensuring conflict-free movement between walkers and cyclists.
• Physical segregation from motorised traffic using kerbs, bollards, railings, or green buffers.
• Universal accessibility features, such as ramps, tactile paving, and gentle gradients for persons with disabilities.
• Street furniture and amenities, including benches, lighting, signage, drinking water points, and shade trees.
• Safe crossings at intersections through raised tables, signals, and traffic calming measures.

These design components aim to create a comfortable and continuous network rather than isolated stretches of infrastructure.

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Integration with Public Transport and TOD

One of the most significant roles of cycle walkways in Delhi is their integration with public transport systems. Many cycle tracks are planned within transit influence zones to support metro and bus ridership. Cyclists can access stations quickly, park their bicycles at designated facilities, or use shared mobility services for first- and last-mile travel.

Within transit-oriented development areas, cycle walkways contribute to compact, mixed-use, and walkable neighbourhoods. They help reduce short motorised trips, increase active travel, and support sustainable land-use patterns.

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Social and Environmental Benefits

The Delhi Cycle Walkway offers a wide range of benefits:

• Environmental benefits: Reduced emissions, lower noise pollution, and improved urban microclimate.
• Social equity: Affordable mobility for low-income groups, students, and informal workers who rely on cycling and walking.
• Health benefits: Increased physical activity leads to better cardiovascular health and reduced stress.
• Economic efficiency: Cycling infrastructure is cost-effective compared to road widening or flyover construction.
• Urban livability: Streets with cycle walkways are often more vibrant, safer, and people-friendly.

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Challenges in Implementation

Despite its potential, the Delhi Cycle Walkway initiative faces several challenges:

• Encroachment and misuse by parked vehicles, street vendors, or utility installations.
• Discontinuity of networks, where cycle tracks abruptly end or lack safe intersections.
• Public perception, as cycling is still viewed by many as a non-prestigious mode of transport.
• Maintenance issues, including damaged surfaces, poor lighting, and inadequate cleanliness.
• Institutional coordination, as multiple agencies are involved in planning and implementation.

Addressing these issues requires strong enforcement, continuous monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.

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Conclusion

The Delhi Cycle Walkway is more than just a piece of transport infrastructure; it is a statement about the city’s vision for sustainable and inclusive mobility. By prioritising cyclists and pedestrians, Delhi can reduce its environmental footprint, enhance public health, and reclaim streets as shared public spaces. While challenges remain, consistent policy support, community participation, and integrated planning can transform cycle walkways into a backbone of everyday urban mobility. In the long run, a well-connected and well-maintained cycle walkway network has the potential to redefine how Delhi moves—cleaner, healthier, and more equitably.