In a significant move to address the housing needs of its employees, the Delhi government has secured a crucial approval for a major infrastructure project. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Atishi announced that the Income Tax Department has granted its consent for a land-sharing arrangement. This paves the way for the construction of twin towers dedicated to housing IT Department staff in the national capital.
Breaking the Logjam: A Key Approval Secured
The project, which has been under discussion for several years, faced a primary hurdle regarding the use of land. The proposed site for the twin towers is located in the vicinity of the existing headquarters of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Income Tax Department on Arakashan Road. Since the land belongs to the IT Department, their formal agreement was essential for any construction to proceed.
PWD Minister Atishi confirmed the development, stating that the necessary consent from the Income Tax Department has now been officially received. This approval pertains specifically to the land-sharing component, which is a foundational step before detailed architectural plans and tenders can be finalized. The Delhi government's PWD will be the nodal agency responsible for executing the construction of the residential towers.
Addressing a Long-Standing Demand
The initiative is directly aimed at fulfilling a persistent demand from employees of the Income Tax Department for adequate housing facilities in Delhi. Given the high cost of real estate and the scarcity of government accommodation in the city, a dedicated housing project represents a substantial welfare measure for the staff.
The plan involves constructing two high-rise residential buildings on the identified plot. The project is envisioned to provide modern housing solutions, thereby easing the accommodation crunch for hundreds of IT Department employees and their families. This move is also seen as part of broader efforts to enhance urban infrastructure and utilize government land efficiently for employee welfare.
Next Steps and Project Execution
With the critical land-sharing approval now in place, the Delhi PWD can advance to the subsequent stages of the project. The upcoming phases will involve:
- Finalizing the detailed building plans and architectural designs.
- Conduct soil testing and other necessary technical surveys.
- Initiating the tendering process to select a construction contractor.
- Securing the remaining statutory clearances from other relevant bodies.
Minister Atishi emphasized the government's commitment to seeing the project through to completion. The approval marks the end of a prolonged administrative process and signals the start of tangible action on the ground. While a definitive timeline for the commencement of construction has not been publicly announced, the granting of this consent is universally regarded as the most significant bottleneck that has been cleared.
The development of the twin towers is expected to not only provide housing but also potentially revitalize the local area with new infrastructure. The project underscores the collaborative efforts between different government departments to solve practical problems faced by employees. As the PWD moves forward with the plans, hundreds of Income Tax Department officials will be watching closely, anticipating a new address in the heart of Delhi.
