Sheila wants a fast road to 2010 Games

Concerned over the pace of preparation work for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today demanded a "fast-track" decision-making mechanism and freedom to bring in foreign expertise.

Inaugurating a workshop on traffic and transportation in connection with the games, she said, "We don't have the luxury of time in our hands," as the event was fast-approaching, and delivered a strong message to bureaucrats that they should not "resist" changes in the name of procedure.

"Procedural delays are part of any system, especially in the context of India, but if the delays run into weeks, months and years, it can create problems," Dikshit said.

The chief minister said it was not enough to adapt best practices, but to implement it in the shortest possible time.

"We need a fast-track clearing system to take quick, immediate decisions," she added.

Terming the event an "enormous opportunity for her government", she said the administration needed the guidance of experts, which might not be available in the country, and sought the freedom to bring in foreign expertise.

"We must have a system that allows speedy decision making," she said, and called upon officials "not to resist changes in name of blue book, red book and green book."

She also asked the Games' organisers to get on board the ministry of tourism and the Archeological Survey of India, to present the heritage of the ancient city during the event, which is expected to draw visitors from across the globe.

"They (visitors) will be interested in seeing the valuable heritage of this city, which runs into thousands of years, and that aspect of the picture must not be lost sight of," Dikshit said.

She said a team of experts from the state government would soon be sent to Dubai to learn about road signages, and road infrastructure, in an effort to bring in international standards.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the proposed integrated transport system, Western and Eastern Highways and the Metro Rail would be ready by 2010, and would play a major role in easing traffic congestions and improving connectivity.

Answering a question about slums near the games venues, she said such clusters would be removed if it hampered the smooth functioning of the event.

Earlier, Commonwealth Games organising committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi said the event was meant to promote the Olympic Games in the country, as India was bidding for the 2014 Asian Games, and vying for hosting 2016 Olympics.

He said India was almost certain to get the nod for hosting the Asian Games, as South Korea was the only other country in the race.

"But they have recently hosted the games at Busan. So we are almost there," he added.