New Delhi: The turbines, coal conveyor belts and soot-lined chimney will give way now to gaming zones, night-time entertainment, water recreation and shopping. In an example of adaptive reuse, Delhi Development Authority will develop the Rajghat thermal power plant, which ceased operations some years ago, into a unique leisure destination.
The agency has initiated the hiring of an expert agency to convert the skeletal remains of the power plant into an entertainment hub on public-private partnership mode. The new complex will have a 5D museum to showcase thermal power plant operations and in addition, facilities for shopping, food and beverage, gaming, nightlife, children’s activities, water-based recreation, among others.
While it is normally difficult for the public to visit and experience the workings of a coal power plant, the proposed museum will provide the opportunity to do so through a 5D experience. The place will be kept open to the public 24×7, as per the project document.
The power plant area includes several industrial buildings such as those housing the turbines, coal conveyor belts and clarifiers plus a 160-metre-high chimney and cooling towers. These existing structures can be retrofitted and reused for the new facilities.
“On Dec 16, we invited expressions of interest from applicants,” an official disclosed. “They have been asked to provide a concept note that can help in preparing a detailed proposal for the repurposing of Rajghat power plant for hospitality, leisure, recreation, adventure, amusement and entertainment.”
DDA confirmed on Friday that the project would be developed and implemented in accordance with the provisions of the prevailing Master Plan of Delhi. The applicant will be responsible for operating and maintaining all such facilities in accordance with DDA-specified indicators and standards.
It was on Feb 19 last year that the idea of reusing the defunct plant for something else cropped up when lieutenant governor VK Saxena visited the plant and ordered the chimney structure to be repurposed. Rounds of meetings took place between agencies, including DDA, central govt’s Land & Development Office, which originally owned the plot, and Delhi govt’s power department. It was eventually decided to use the complex to showcase power generation through a 5D experience and develop other entertainment facilities for the public. On Nov 10, 2023, Saxena inaugurated the illumination of the chimney.
“Besides mandatory components, DDA will provide sufficient flexibility to the concessionaire to incorporate various uses within the project to generate revenues,” says the tender document. “These possible activities could be sports clubs, night theatre, open-air theatre, nursery with plants for sale, cinema, banquet facilities, night clubs, zip line, putting park, ticketed access to jetty or river cruise, tram service, concerts, and rock shows, adventure activities, tram or toy train system, etc.” Revenue generated from all such sources may go to the concessionaire with a lease premium to be paid to DDA.
DDA has called a pre-bid meeting on Jan 13, 2025, and the last date for submitting proposals or expressions of interest is Feb 10.
The coal-fired power generation plant was commissioned in 1989 with a generation capacity of 135 MW. It was closed down and operations halted permanently in 2015 due to the polluting effect of burning coal at the plant. The entire precinct has remained in a dormant and unused state since then.
