DDA Steps in to Solve CWG Accommodation Problem

It’s nothing less than three-star comfort a complex that would allow privacy, give you an option to cook for yourself or bite into an economical meal at its common eating facilities and also provide a dedicated shuttle service to take you to the Games venues and tourist destinations. That’s a glimpse into the 5,000-odd DDA flats in Vasant Kunj and Jasola being readied for tourists during the Commonwealth Games. The first sample flat is likely to be complete by March 31.

With clear indications about the capital falling short of meeting the 30,000 hotel room requirement for 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Union tourism ministry and DDA have evolved a strategy to use these under-construction DDA flats to deal with the shortfall. Work on the refurbishment plan of these flats took off recently.

While the DDA is responsible for finishing construction at the earliest, the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has been entrusted with the job of furnishing these flats to meet 3-star hotel standards. The secretaries of the Union tourism and sports ministries visited the Vasant Kunj site last week to review the progress.

According to sources, the tourism ministry is planning to introduce the accommodation facility for interested tourists through an official link on the Games website of the organising committee. The central booking for these flats will be monitored by ITDC.

Those who decide to book will have the option of taking up separate rooms or an entire flat. These complexes, developed as private areas for tourists, will be monitored and run by the hospitality sector under ITDC’s supervision. Moreover, a dedicated shuttle service is on the cards to ensure visitors are able to make it to the Games venues and tourist spots.

Authorities have realized that the 30,000 room requirement will not be met through the hotel sector. ‘‘The government is expecting the capital and NCR put together to generate around 14,000-odd new hotel rooms by 2010. Thus the need to look at alternatives like DDA flats and guest houses,’’ said a source.