By – Rohit Dwivedi
As 2024 bids farewell, the year has left Delhi with numerous gifts, from improved roads and enhanced healthcare facilities to the creation of the country’s longest golf course. The year saw a range of developments, benefiting the city’s residents and visitors alike. Let’s take a look at some of the major highlights.
India’s Longest Golf Course in Delhi
This year, Delhi became home to India’s longest golf course, located in Dwarka. Spread across an impressive 7,377 yards, the course covers 158 acres, which includes lush green spaces. Built by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the golf course was developed at an estimated cost of ₹250 crore. It features modern amenities such as a driving range of 375 yards, a club house, restaurants, swimming pools, and conference halls. This facility is expected to serve golf enthusiasts across the country, setting a new benchmark for golf courses.
Improved Healthcare Facilities for Athletes
Sports enthusiasts and athletes in Delhi saw significant improvements in healthcare facilities this year. Safdarjung Hospital’s Sports Injury Centre received a new building, significantly reducing waiting times for surgeries. With double the number of operation theatres and advanced medical equipment, the new facility offers specialized treatment for injuries to the shoulders, knees, wrists, and elbows, among others. This upgrade is expected to provide athletes with better and quicker recovery options.
Relief for Commuters with New Flyover
Delhi’s infrastructure also saw notable advancements. A much-awaited three-lane flyover was inaugurated in March 2024 at the Ring Road in Motinagar. The flyover has greatly eased traffic congestion, especially for commuters traveling from Motinagar and Kirti Nagar to Punjabi Bagh and Shakurpur. Previously, it would take more than 30 minutes to cover half a kilometer in this area; now, the same distance can be traveled in under three minutes. This flyover, completed in just 18 months, has significantly improved road connectivity in the area.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Takes Shape
Another milestone achieved this year is the completion of the first section of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. This 32-kilometer stretch, divided into two parts, includes 14.75 kilometers in Delhi. The expressway begins at Akshardham and extends to the Loni Border, making travel to Dehradun more convenient. Notably, there will be no toll charges for vehicles traveling from Akshardham to Baghpat via this expressway, providing a smooth, toll-free experience for commuters.
Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital’s Pollution Clinic
In the wake of Delhi’s ongoing pollution concerns, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital introduced a pollution clinic this year. This initiative, alongside the establishment of a heat clinic to treat patients suffering from extreme temperatures, marks an important step in tackling health issues caused by Delhi’s environmental challenges. The pollution clinic aims to help residents cope with the adverse effects of pollution, while the heat clinic provides immediate relief to individuals suffering from the intense heat, especially during the scorching summer months.
A Year of Progress
As 2024 draws to a close, Delhi has seen significant developments that have enhanced the city’s infrastructure and healthcare system. The year has truly been a year of progress, with substantial investments in public facilities, sports, and health services, providing a promising outlook for the city in the coming years.