At least eight key roads that connect Parliament, India Gate and surrounding areas of the Lutyens area will benefit from a ‘Central Vista’ themed revamp that includes wider roads, a ‘Happiness Square’ “, crosswalks, landscaping and more greenery.

These roads will be upgraded and beautified as part of New Delhi City Council’s “Smart Road” initiative.

“When Central Vista is ready, all roads under the project like India Gate Plaza and other roads will be revamped with landscaping, beautification and other features. So we have decided to revamp all other avenues that connect Central Vista to the same standards,” NDMC member Kuljeet Singh Chhal told The Indian Express.

He added, “The Central Vista design will enhance the beauty of NDMC roads and give them an aesthetic look.

Officials said about 20 NDMC roads were proposed for redevelopment, but only eight were passed – Tilak Marg, KG Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Pandara Road, Tolstoy Marg, Hailey Road, Tansen Marg and Babar Road. The total cost of the project is Rs 7.25 crore.

All these sections will be widened, reinforced and improved with a new layer of bitumen, and spaces for pedestrian crossings and promenades will be created. Bike paths will be developed and adequate parking will be created. In addition, all of these roads will also have a “happiness zone” with plants, shrubs, unique flowers, street furniture, selfie points, water dispensers and restrooms.

Sculptures of freedom fighters will also be installed on these roads for beautification, officials said.

Satish Upadhayay, Vice Chairman of NDMC said, “It was observed that the condition of some avenue roads deteriorated and they have completed five years, and it was decided that the strengthening and resurfacing of these roads should be done with cold milling…”

The NDMC, at its meeting on Wednesday, also adopted several other drafts.

Under the Renewable Energy Project, the council hopes to become completely a consumer of green energy by 2025 to reduce carbon emissions and control pollution from vehicles. It has decided not to renew its electricity purchase contract with the thermal power stations after its expiry. Instead, NDMC will enter into new purchase agreements with only renewable energy providers, including hydel and solar, officials said.

Officials said NDMC will achieve 100% green power in NDMC areas by 2022. It has a current capacity of 142 MW and generates 10 MW of green power. By 2024, it aims to achieve 83% green energy.

NDMC has also proposed to construct 120 Type II apartments with two bedrooms and a kitchen for its staff in Pushp Vihar.