Countdown - XIX Commonwealth games

By Ninglun Hanghal *

Just 260 days to go, Delhi is gearing up for the final preparations to host the XIX Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held during October 3-14, 2010.

The key stakeholders and functionaries of the event include the Commonwealth Games Federation, The Indian Olympic Association , the Government of India, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games 2010- Delhi.

Major preparations focus on the city make over of the Capital and its infrastructure.

Road and Air transport: an air conditioned high capacity bus, bridges, flyovers and the Delhi metro network,
Upgrade Hospitality: over 40, 000 rooms to be made available, beside the Games Village, to accommodate guest and officials,
Communication: introducing TETRA—Terrestrial Trunked Radio network, and Enhance power generation of a capacity of 3,750 MW. Besides this, Security of the players, tourist and general public will be a top priority for the smooth conduct of the Games.

The Deputy Director General—Communications of the Games' organising committee, Vineet Dikshit informed The Sangai Express that preparations are in full swing to meet the schedule time.

Over the major traffic congestions already faced by Delhi due to the preparations, which is going to be one major concern during the games too, Dikshit said "details and update briefings are being made in collaborations with various concerned agencies every now and then.

The Delhi traffic will be taken care under the Traffic Police. In respond to the security, another main concern, the DDG informed "the security system will be look into by the Delhi Police, the Home Ministry in collaboration with the Lt Governor of Delhi."

First ever sporting event of this magnitude being held in India, the Commonwealth Games 2010 will have 17 sports with 23 world class competition venues and 32 training venues.

One of the great tradition of the games, the Queen's Baton Relay began its 190,000 km journey from October 29, 2009 and will travel across the commonwealth nations in 240 days. The baton will reach India on June 25 and travel to all Indian State Capitals and other major cities within the 100 days national tour.

The Baton relay will conclude with the opening ceremony of the Games on October 3, 2010. Cultural events will be another added value programme during the Games.

The organising committee and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) developed the Commonwealth Bussiness Club of India to promote investment opportunity to boost the country's economy and business interest. Revenue from International Tourist is expected to increase from $ 7 billion to $ 18 billion.

The Commonwealth games will generate employment to many youths as well, where the hospitality sector alone will generate 45 million jobs. Overall the event is expected to generated a revenue of Rs 1, 780 crore.