Dilli Haat set for revamp with smart cards and better food
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is planning to develop Dilli Haat at INA market on the lines of Kingdom of Dreams by streamlining the menus of the state eating joints and the payment method.
The tourism department feels that though it is the most crowded and easily accessible destination for food-lovers and shoppers, Dilli Haat in INA needs to be revamped.
The government will first ensure that only specific foods are served at the restaurants. “We have restaurants of every state at Dilli Haat but it has been noticed that they offer food other than the speciality of that state. For instance, Lucknow is famous for kebab and no one goes there to have momos. We need to end this practice,” said a government official.
The government has similar plans for the crafts section at the market. The department will use the stage at Dilli Haat to promote cultural activities.
Officials said the government will review the tender process. The states were supposed to run the food counters but they have outsourced it, because of which poor quality of food is being served.
After ensuring state-specific food, the government will introduce a common card — prepaid cards that can be sued at any stall.
“Kingdom of Dreams is built on the lines of Dilli Haat only but it is more organised. Like there, we will introduce a card system that can be purchased at the ticket counter and customers won’t have to pay separately at every stall. This is the practice followed by food courts at malls,” the official added.
After this, Delhi government will revamp the Pitampura and Janakpuri haats. The process of revamping has started already with government introducing wi-fi services. The first 20 minutes of the wi-fi service will be free, followed by a charge for every hour.
The Delhi government is also in touch with the New Delhi Municipal Council to improve road infrastructure around Dilli Haat.
The haat is already well connected with a Metro station near it. Delhi Metro has planned another interchange station by the end of this year.