The Delhi government has announced a significant initiative to transform its ageing Public Works Department (PWD) housing colonies into modern high-rise residential complexes. PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh confirmed that existing flats in three key locations—Gulabi Bagh in North Delhi, Kalyanwas in Mayur Vihar, and Bahapur near Defence Colony—will be demolished and replaced with multi-storeyed buildings.
This ambitious redevelopment project aims to provide improved accommodation for Delhi government employees and will operate on a self-financing model, similar to the Centre's General Pool Residential Accommodation.
Self-Financing Model for Redevelopment
The core of the redevelopment plan hinges on a self-financing model, leveraging the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy. Minister Singh explained that under this policy, approximately 10% of the total area at Gulabi Bagh and Kalyanwas will be designated for commercial use. Revenue generated from these commercial projects, along with the sale of surplus residential flats, will fund the construction costs.
At these two sites, high-rise buildings will utilize the entire permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR). While a portion of the flats will be reserved for officials and staff, the remaining units will be sold to private players or through auctions. The revenue generated from these projects will also contribute to financing the new Delhi Secretariat complex at ITO.
The Bahapur project, in contrast, will be exclusively residential. It focuses on constructing 160 new Type V and Type VI flats, which are currently in poor condition and require immediate redevelopment. This project alone is estimated to cost around Rs 400 crore, with tenders expected to be floated shortly.
Addressing Housing Needs
Minister Singh emphasized the necessity of this redevelopment, noting that many Delhi government residential complexes are in disrepair, leading some officials to seek transfers. The government aims to ensure its staff and bureaucrats have access to quality living spaces, thereby improving morale and retention.
Beyond the initial three colonies, seven additional sites have been identified for future redevelopment, including Probyn Road, Timarpur, Sindhora Khurd, Sindhora Kalan, and Vikas Bhawan. Consultants will be appointed for Gulabi Bagh and Kalyanwas to prepare Detailed Project Reports, budget estimates, and finalize the self-financing models. Type II, Type III, and Type IV flats are planned for development at these sites over the next three to four years, with a focus on optimizing land use through private participation.