The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has approved a series of civic, healthcare and environmental initiatives, including a 50 per cent concession on parking charges for electric vehicles (EVs), a 50-bed AYUSH Hospital and Research Centre, and a road-lighting project to address dark spots. The decisions were taken at a council meeting at Palika Kendra in New Delhi.

The EV concession will apply at all parking facilities operated by the NDMC’s Parking Management System Department. The council said the measure is intended to reduce air pollution, encourage clean transportation and lower dependence on petrol and diesel. It also approved the AYUSH hospital in Sarojini Nagar at an estimated cost of Rs. 550 mn under a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

The hospital will expand existing polyclinic services into inpatient care covering Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and homoeopathic treatments. Separately, the council granted administrative sanction for a Rs. 182.6 mn project to improve public safety and remove dark spots. The work will involve installing octagonal street-light poles between 6 and 11 metres high, along with underground cabling and foundations.

NDMC Chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said the council was considering the eventual development of Connaught Place as a no-vehicle zone, but would first consult traders, residents and other stakeholders. He said the plan would require parking adjustments, updated standard operating procedures and other administrative measures, with public participation intended to support a sustainable implementation.

The council also said work would soon begin to replace old sewerage lines, including C-Hexagon lines along Lodhi Road, Zakir Hussain Marg, Golf Course and Subramaniam Bharti Marg. A survey is under way to identify the lines requiring replacement. Other approvals covered a control room at Old R K Ashram Marg, replacement of cast iron water lines with ductile iron lines up to Pandara Road, a computer-based examination centre at Moti Bagh, a one-time waiver on late water-payment surcharges for Dhobi Ghat consumers, smart electricity meters, additional staff and replacement of non-functional escalators in Connaught Place.