NDMC Launches Major Pre-Summit Transformation of Lutyens' Delhi
In preparation for the highly anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has initiated an extensive city-wide beautification, illumination, and sanitation campaign. This ambitious drive aims to present a revitalized and forward-looking aesthetic across the iconic Lutyens' Delhi area, setting the stage for the prestigious international event.
Horticultural Enhancement and Floral Displays
The horticulture component forms a cornerstone of this initiative, with over 5,000 decorative potted plants being strategically placed at key locations throughout the capital. NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Chahal confirmed that this floral installation work is on track for completion by February 12, following a proven model previously implemented during the G20 Summit.
Prominent areas receiving this green makeover include:
- Connaught Place and its Inner Circle
- Sardar Patel Marg and BKS Marg
- C-Hexagon and Khan Market
- Aurobindo Marg and Dilli Haat
- Teen Murti Marg and Barakhamba Road
- Sansad Marg and other major corridors
To further elevate visual appeal, approximately 15 floral boards and colorful fountains are being established at major roundabouts. Additionally, a special Tulip Festival will be organized at the Shanti Path lawns during the summit period, creating a vibrant public attraction.
Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades
Simultaneously, NDMC's roads circle department is executing significant infrastructure improvements. Advanced safety devices being installed include:
- Flexible urban delineators and solar raised pavement markers
- Anti-glare boards and linear delineation systems
- Speed arrester studs for traffic calming
Infrastructure work on Ashoka Road and Parliament Street has already been completed, while installations at Mother Teresa Crescent are progressing and expected to finish by the February 12 deadline. The council is also repairing and upgrading signage boards along 41 major roads, renewing thermoplastic markings for pedestrian crossings and safety zones, and branding approximately 400 road and distribution light poles with AI-themed visual elements.
Illumination and Night-Time Aesthetics
To enhance the city's nocturnal beauty, NDMC is installing about 300 decorative lights on trees along Sardar Patel Marg extending to Central Park. Ten iconic buildings will receive special illumination treatments, including:
- Palika Kendra and NDCC Phase-II
- Connaught Place Inner Circle
- Central Park Periphery and Palika Bazar
- Charak Museum and Lok Nayak Bhawan
- Chanakya Bhawan
Chahal emphasized that a comprehensive audit of all avenue roads is currently underway to ensure fully functional street lighting. Areas requiring tree pruning have been identified and shared with the horticulture department for prompt action.
Sanitation and Waste Management Overhaul
On the cleanliness front, NDMC has completed road- and circle-wise mapping, deploying nodal officers and staff for 24/7 monitoring. Approximately 25-30 porta cabins have been established for sanitation workers, and a dedicated control room at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has been activated for real-time coordination and complaint resolution.
The waste management system is being significantly strengthened through:
- Multi-trip daily garbage lifting operations
- Night sanitation operations
- 24/7 functional transfer stations
- A strict zero-accumulation policy
Each night, 180-200 sanitation workers are deployed, supported by mechanical road sweepers and surprise inspections conducted by senior officers to maintain rigorous standards.
This comprehensive pre-summit transformation represents one of NDMC's most extensive urban enhancement initiatives in recent years, positioning Delhi as a world-class host city for the 2026 India AI Impact Summit while creating lasting improvements for residents and visitors alike.
