The Times of India  27.08.2010

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to refurbish kiosks in its jurisdiction. The civic body has roped in ITC Limited, which will undertake beautification project of these units. There are 254 kiosks and 93 other similar units in NDMC area.

The civic agency came up with a renovation plan of these roadside booths after Lieutenant Governor's intervention. These kiosks will be upgraded before the Games and NDMC aims to give Lutyens' Delhi a more aesthetic look once the project is completed.

Many such booths have been installed in areas like Gate No 4 at Lodi Garden, Khan Market and Gole Dakhana etc. Decades-old plaster walls and ceilings have been replaced with a golden steel covering.

"As per the arrangement between NDMC and ITC, the complete renovation will be carried by the company and the council will bear no cost. The company will also be responsible for maintenance of these blocks for a period of three years. No advertisement or signage will be allowed on the exterior of the structure. Only NDMC logo and number of the unit will be displayed,'' said the official.

A senior NDMC official said these stalls are in a very bad state as many of them are more than 30 years old. "A letter from the L-G office was received regarding poor condition of various kiosks in our area insisting on standardization of design. It was also advised that such eyesores be removed well before the Games,'' said an official.

The estimated cost for revamping will be around Rs 1.25 lakh for per unit. Added the official: "If NDMC's civil engineering department would have undertaken the task, it would have led to a increase in the licence fees.''