DTC to Evacuate Hari Nagar Staff Quarters for Rs 724 Crore Housing Project
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) approved issuing fresh notices last week to families occupying its staff quarters in Hari Nagar, West Delhi. The decision aims to vacate the premises so the 142 existing quarters can be demolished to make way for a new Rs 724 crore high-rise housing complex.
The redevelopment project, which has faced a delay of more than three years since plans were finalized, will be executed by NBCC (India) Ltd. The development is expected to become one of the transport corporation's largest real estate developments and will generate substantial revenue for the cash-strapped DTC through the sale of residential units.
The residential quarters on the site were originally allotted to DTC employees several decades ago. Although most of the original allottees have retired, many families continue to occupy the accommodations. The fresh notices are now being issued in accordance with the board's approval to ensure the redevelopment work can finally begin.
The evacuation of the Hari Nagar quarters has been stalled for years. While the Delhi cabinet initially approved the vacation of these quarters in 2011-12, directing occupants to leave within two months, legal disputes and litigation delayed the process for more than 15 years.
With the latest board decision, the DTC plans to initiate evacuation proceedings immediately, followed by the demolition of the existing structures at the earliest.
The Hari Nagar redevelopment is part of a broader agreement signed between the DTC and NBCC in 2020 for the monetisation and redevelopment of DTC land assets. Under this agreement, the transport utility also proposed redeveloping another residential colony at Vasant Vihar and constructing multi-level bus depots at both locations.
The proposed residential project in Hari Nagar is planned to feature eight towers. These will comprise 545 general-category apartments and 284 flats for the economically weaker section (EWS). The development will include 103 two-bedroom apartments, 396 three-bedroom units, and 46 three-bedroom apartments with an additional study, alongside a clubhouse and supporting infrastructure.
According to officials, DTC reviewed the financial viability of some of its redevelopment projects last year before deciding on the current course of action. Construction activities will begin as soon as the evacuation process is completed and the land is made available.
