Delhi metro turns interchanging stations into commercial hubs

This is also where the capital’s first transit-oriented development (TOD) project East Delhi Hub is coming up.

The 60-acre site, where Delhi’s first TOD project would come up, is situated around Blue and Pink Line stations of Karkardooma flanked by Anand Vihar interchange station on the eastern end. The project would see 30 residential and commercial towers, with the tallest being 48 storeys (161 metres) high. The first phase would see four towers come up around Karkardooma’s Blue and Pink line corridors.

At the heart of the project is a green area spread over 10 acres. There would also be extensive usage of vertical and terrace gardens. The 48-storey tower would have a facade with 2-3 layers of traditional lattice work in different patterns to trap dust and create standing waves that damp out noise.

DMRC would lease out an area measuring 9,563 square metres at Karkardooma Pink Line station, which would include space on the first, second and third floors for specific purposes like retail, organised commercial space, offices, banks, etc. Plans are also afoot to allow educational institutions and coaching centres. The space for the complex was kept during construction of the spacious Pink Line station, said a DMRC spokesperson.

With DDA finalising its TOD policy last year, the project was revived. DDA has also selected areas near Mayur Vihar Extension, Dwarka Sector 21, Rohini Sector 18, Mukundpur, Sarojini Nagar and INA Metro Stations for development under the TOD policy.

“Even before the TOD project comes up, the commercial complex will cater to the existing residential and office areas nearby. The station also lies in close proximity to Karkardooma District Courts Complex. Separate access is available at the station for commercial areas and parking space, apart from a prominent and spacious frontage,” the DMRC spokesperson said.

At Anand Vihar, DMRC has approximately 8,600 square metres available at the older Blue Line station. “The station is located next to a huge transport hub with connectivity to Pink and Blue lines, railway station and ISBT. The area also has adequate social and physical infrastructure and amenities such as educational institutes, hospitals and nursing homes, entertainment facilities and Yamuna Sports Complex. Sahibabad and Patparganj industrial areas are also in the vicinity. Such factors give it a high potential for commercial development,” said the spokesperson.

The area has been divided by DMRC into two packages, one being 1,130 square metres at the concourse level and another of 7,470 square metres on the ground and first floors. “The tender for the first package has already been invited, while the one for the second is scheduled for next month,” said the official.

The foundation stone for East Delhi Hub was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in January this year and DDA selected NBCC for implementing the project, which has a deadline of 2023.