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New Delhi: A proposal for a promenade and underground plaza linked to the upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum metro station on Pandit Pant Marg has been sent back for revision, with the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) flagging a series of design and planning concerns.The proposal, submitted by Central Public Works Department (CPWD), was examined at the formal stage. While the commission appreciated the overall intent and found the underground plaza to be well-conceived, it noted that the design of the promenade requires significant changes.One of the key concerns relates to the provision of two travelators along the nearly 100-metre-long passage. Each travelator, proposed on either side for ingress and egress, would be accompanied by continuous railings.
DUAC observed that this arrangement could pose safety risks, be difficult to maintain and limit its effectiveness. It recommended removing both travelators to ensure an unobstructed pedestrian pathway.The commission also examined the experience of using the long ramp, which is about 92 metres in length and intended primarily for pedestrian movement. Noting that the continuous stretch may affect usability, it suggested introducing design interventions to break the monotony.
These include providing intermediate landings or level bands every 5 to 10 metres. Such spaces could serve as resting points, informal seating areas or activity zones, improving both comfort and functionality, it pointed out.The panel also drew attention to the proposed shading device. As per the submitted drawings, the structure is discontinuous and partially open to the sky. DUAC advised exploring the integration of solar panels within a space-frame system, which would provide more effective protection from direct sunlight and also generate renewable energy for lighting common areas.Pedestrian circulation and crowd management formed another critical part of the commission’s observations. Given the expected footfall, particularly from tourists visiting the Central Vista area, DUAC recommended clearly demarcating ingress and egress zones within the passage. Such longitudinal separation, it noted, would help streamline movement, reduce conflicts and improve overall safety.The commission also stressed compliance with universal accessibility norms under the Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi, 2016.
It asked that features such as tactile pathways and handrails be incorporated to ensure barrier-free movement.On vertical connectivity, the current plan provides one passenger lift on each side of the promenade. DUAC suggested reconfiguring this arrangement by clustering larger-capacity lifts on one side to improve efficiency. The opposite side could accommodate a staircase designed as per applicable norms, which would support smoother movement and maintain visual balance, it said.Additionally, the commission directed that all service elements, including plumbing lines, rainwater pipes, air-conditioning units, water tanks and solar panels, be properly concealed in accordance with its project assessment criteria. It also stressed that sustainability features must align with its prescribed guidelines.The location of the project adds another layer of scrutiny. The site falls within the Central Vista precinct, where the North Block and South Block are notified as Grade I heritage structures under a 2009 gazette notification issued by Delhi govt.
Any new intervention in the area is, therefore, subject to careful evaluation in terms of design, scale and impact.Following its review and discussions with the project architect, the commission concluded that the proposal requires improvement. It has asked for a point-by-point response addressing all observations before it can be reconsidered.The proposal currently stands as not approved, with observations issued for compliance.
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