The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced plans to develop two commercial complexes as part of its initiative to enhance infrastructure and boost revenue through the use of vacant sites, as published by The Economic Times.
The proposed projects will be located opposite Prithviraj Market and on an open plot adjoining Akbar Bhawan in Chanakyapuri.
The announcement was made by NDMC chairman Keshav Chandra during the presentation of the council’s budget proposals for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The site near Prithviraj Market and adjacent to Lok Nayak Bhawan currently hosts single-story vacant flats that were once occupied by NDMC employees. According to the redevelopment plan, these flats will be demolished to pave the way for a modern commercial complex.
“The demolition of the existing structures is scheduled to begin by March 2025,” Chandra said. The new building will have eight stories, similar to Lok Nayak Bhawan, with a built-up area of approximately 100,000 square feet.
An NDMC official said the ground floor will feature retail shops, occupying about 18-20% of the total area, while the remaining floors will be dedicated to office spaces. “The design, feasibility study, and tendering process are expected to be completed within this financial year. Work at the site will commence in the next financial year after the council approves the plans,” the official added.
The council is also considering constructing an underground multi-level parking facility at the current open parking site for Khan Market and Prithviraj Market to support the redevelopment project.
The second project focuses on an open plot adjacent to Akbar Bhawan in Chanakyapuri. NDMC plans to develop a multi-story office complex with four basements and 10 stories, providing a built-up area of approximately 95,000 square feet.
NDMC had previously invited tenders for this project, but the process was delayed due to a legal dispute in the Delhi High Court. With the court case now resolved, officials are revising the project’s cost estimates, as the original plan was prepared four years ago.
“A revised plan is being drafted to reflect the updated costs. The tendering process is expected to resume within the next six months,” the official said. The layout will be similar to the Prithviraj Market project, with shops on the ground floor and offices on the upper levels.
These initiatives are part of NDMC’s broader strategy to optimize the use of vacant land and improve urban infrastructure. Once completed, the projects are expected to boost revenue streams for the council while enhancing Delhi’s commercial real estate landscape.