It was the primary reason for delay in completion of the ambitious Connaught Place redevelopment project, but now has turned into a tourist place. Delhiites can now walk through the high-tech 1.2 km-long service tunnel created under the middle circle of the Connaught Place.
The service tunnel, which has been set up by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to accommodate all water and power lines of the commercial hub, will be open for the people to see from Thursday until January, 2014. "The 1.2 km-long service tunnel is probably a first of its kind in India. It has a cross section of 7x7 meters which is very huge," said Jalaj Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NDMC. Executed through project consultant Engineers India limited (EIl), it houses services like electric and communication cables, water supply and irrigation lines, fire fighting services, electric sub-stations etc. in the well known shopping hub.
"As part of its centenary celebrations, the NDMC will allow the entry of general public to visit the tunnel corridor," he added. The entry will be free. It will be from Janpath and will be regulated. People will be allowed in batches to see the tunnel under the guidance of trained officials.