New Delhi: The upcoming clock tower at Shankar Road–Mandir Marg junction near Talkatora Stadium is set to be transformed into a landmark gateway to the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area, with civic authorities planning a host of smart and aesthetic features around the structure.NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said nearly 80% of the civil work has been completed and the agency is targeting completion by June 30. Once construction is done, the focus will shift to developing the site into an iconic attraction on the lines of New York’s Times Square and similar global modern structures.“We plan to install a large LED display wall around the clock tower. The screens would provide real-time information, such as air pollution levels, temperature forecasts, nearby attractions and public messages. The system will be supported by AI-enabled equipment to enhance information dissemination and visitor engagement,” Chahal said after a recent inspection.“We don’t want it to look like any other conventional clock tower. It should represent ‘Viksit NDMC’. A detailed discussion has been held with officials, who will come up with an updated plan soon,” he added.NDMC’s beautification plan includes projector lighting to illuminate the clock faces on all sides, 5-6-metre-high decorative poles fitted with 70-watt post-top lights, and bulkhead lighting inside the tower to illuminate stairways. Wall-mounted fans will also be installed at the premises.Officials said all electrical installations inside and outside the structure, along with associated accessories, will be properly earthed to ensure safety and operational efficiency. In addition, horticulture work has also been planned around the tower.From an engineering perspective, the clock tower is being designed to withstand both wind and seismic forces. “Internal electrical installations, along with colourful linear façade lighting, will be among the other features,” an official said.The structure comprises a reinforced concrete framework supported by RCC raft foundations. Its exterior will feature wire-cut brick cladding in line with the approved architectural design, giving it a distinctive and durable finish.The foundation stone for the project was laid in Aug 2025 by former LG V K Saxena, with the initial deadline set as Jan 31, 2026. NDMC missed the target, with officials attributing the delay to GRAP restrictions and challenges encountered during site preparation. Subsequently, the revised April 30 deadline was also missed. Officials later clarified that excavation work took longer than expected due to rocky strata at the site.The nearly 27-metre-high octagonal tower, being built at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore, is designed to blend Hindu, Mughal and Colonial-era architectural styles. Stone engraving will be carried out on the façade, followed by polishing and installation of lighting to highlight the detailing during the final phase of construction. Each of the tower’s eight sides will measure 1.2 metres.The clock to be installed atop the tower will feature a modern, weather-resistant design with both backlit and front-lit illumination. It will be mounted using vibration-resistant technology to ensure durability and accuracy. NDMC officials said regular maintenance will be undertaken for the smooth functioning of the structure.
