Delhi Govt to build 40,000 low-cost housing units

Bawana, Nov 19: Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit today laid the foundation stone for the second phase of the 40,000-unit Rajiv Gandhi Cost Effective Housing Complex for industrial workers living in Bawana, Narela and Bhorgarh.

In a formal ceremony here, Ms Dikshit also dedicated 3,164 units, in the Bawana Industrial Estate, to the workers and announced that ''the government will continue to build low cost housing units for the benefit of poor workers''.

''The Delhi Government has also planned the extension of Metro Rail to Bawana and Narela and has sanctioned funds for the same. This will give a comfortable source of conveyance to the labourers,'' she added.

The 4,348-unit second phase, which is to be completed in 550 days at a total cost of Rs 108.5 crore, will contain 1,184 houses in the Bawana Estate Industrial Complex at an estimated cost of Rs 33 crore, 1,892 units in Narela Industrial Complex (Rs 40 crore) and 1,272 dwellings in Bhorgarh Industrial Complex (Rs 35.50 crore).

''Easy financing options will be provided to the workers,'' Ms Dikshit said.

The government is drawing up plans for 21,000 flats which are to be built in two-year time, before the CommonWealth Games 2010, in Kanjawala, Baprola, Ghoga and Pooth Khurd.

The units which were dedicated to the workers today cost Rs 1.78 lakh for a one-room flat (31.60 sq mt) and Rs 2 lakh for a two-room flat (37.70 sq mt).

The housing complex is to be executed by public-sector player Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, which has received National Award for construction of low cost houses under phase I of the project.

UNI