The Connaught Place renovation plan is back on track after a controversy surrounding the first phase of renovation led to work getting stalled. The project, due to be completed before the 2010 Commonwealth Games and already running behind schedule, will now begin next month, officials said.

The New Delhi Municipal Council has decided to rope in two contractors to finish the work within the next 10 months. The Council is close to finalising and awarding contract tenders for the project.

Restoration of C-Block had been done on a sample basis by the civic body last year. The Delhi Urban Arts Commission had, however, disapproved certain aspects of the work done in the block and further work had been stalled. The work was later carried out again and approved by the DUAC.

Tenders for the Inner Circle project were opened on January 29 while the process for Outer Circle will open around February 10, officials said.

“Instead of awarding the entire work to one contractor we are dividing it between two, which would help finish the work in time,” an official said.

Facade renovation in the Inner Circle will be taken up first, officials said. The project consultant is Engineers India Limited, while the NDMC will be monitoring it.

The project, costing the Exchequer close to Rs 600 crore, will be carried out in two phases. Façade improvement, setting up an air-conditioning plant and upgrading engineering works (including electricity, water, sewerage, roads and fire-fighting infrastructure), will be completed in the first phase, while the second phase will include a comprehensive plan to remodel traffic, parking and landscaping in the area. NDMC plans to build an underground utility tunnel in Middle Circle for laying lines for electricity, water supply, sewerage and drainage lines.

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