IANS

New Delhi, Jan 1: As the beautification of Connaught Place -- the heart of New Delhi -- begins ahead of the Commonwealth Games, buses plying in the area were diverted from Friday.

New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is constructing new subways in the Outer Circle, a service corridor in the Middle Circle, and is renovating the buildings and making other improvements.

In view of the construction work, all buses, except those to New Delhi railway station, will be kept away from Connaught Place.

"Buses for New Delhi railway station will continue to ply through Connaught Place. Routes of all other buses have been changed," a joint advisory from Delhi Traffic Police and the NDMC said.

"NDMC has taken up redevelopment work of Connaught Place including construction of eight new subways in the Outer Circle, a service corridor in the Middle Circle, facade restoration and other related improvements. These works are proposed to be completed ahead of Commonwealth Games - 2010," the advisory said.

The Delhi Transport Corporation will notify the changed routes soon.

Other traffic in Connaught Place will also be regulated and parking in the middle and outer circles will be closed.

"General public is advised to use Metro and other public transport to Connaught Place. No parking will be available on middle and outer circle. Only half the width of Outer Circle shall be available for vehicular movement," the statement said.

The restriction on vehicular movements will continue for 80 days.

Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in Delhi. It was developed as a showpiece of Lutyens' Delhi featuring a Central Business District. Named after the Duke of Connaught, the construction work was started in 1929 and completed in 1933.