Renovated Connaught Place finally inaugurated

After missing several deadlines, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Monday unveiled a refurbished Connaught Place - the national capital's posh commercial hub.

As part of NDMC's centenary celebrations, the inauguration was marked with a performance by singer Kailash Kher at the Central Park. Artistes like Palash Sen, Chand Nizami and Ability Unlimited dance group will also be performing at the venue in the first week of January.

"The celebrations will continue the whole week. Connaught Place is one among the few places in Delhi that act as the city's green lungs... it reflects the city's rich heritage," said NDMC chairperson Jalaj Shrivastava.

Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, the chief guest at the event, said: "Connaught Place has changed a lot over the years and today once again it has been refurbished. People identify Delhi with Connaught Place."

A shopping carnival and a food festival have also been organised as part of the week-long festival that will conclude Jan 7 with a kite flying competition, again at the Central Park, officials said.

While the food festival has ended, Delhiites can get attractive discounts and offers courtesy the shopping carnival which is on till Jan 8.

The British era colonnaded Connaught Place was subjected to many physical assaults in the last decade in the name of revamping the prime commercial area. It started with the initial digging for Delhi Metro in 2003 and then for the 2010 Commonwealth Games for what was called a "beautification drive".

--Indo-Asian News service

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