L-G, CM lay foundation for iconic Clock Tower at Delhi’s Mandir Marg

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday laid the foundation stone for a landmark clock tower at the junction of Shankar Road and Mandir Marg near Talkatora Stadium. The nearly 27-m octagonal tower, being built by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), is designed to become a prominent feature of Lutyens’ Delhi and is expected to be completed within six months at an estimated cost of Rs 1.80 crore.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister Parvesh Verma, New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra, Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, along with senior officials of the Delhi Government and NDMC.

Approved by the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), the project has been conceived as a blend of Hindu, Mughal and Colonial architectural elements to revive the heritage charm of the capital. Each of the eight sides of the tower will measure 1.2 m and be constructed with reinforced cement concrete and clay bricks. The structure’s reinforced concrete framework will be engineered to withstand both wind and seismic forces, resting on a robust RCC raft foundation.

The façade will feature exposed wire-cut brick cladding with precision-finished joints while the pedestal will be finished with leather-polish black granite using advanced mechanical anchoring techniques. A stainless steel staircase with anti-skid finishes and safety handrails will provide access for internal maintenance. At the crown, a state-of-the-art, weather-resistant clock will be installed, equipped with vibration-resistant technology and illuminated for clear visibility. Custom stone engravings, architectural lighting and high-quality low-maintenance materials will ensure the tower’s durability and visual appeal.

Speaking at the event, L-G Saxena said the new clock tower would “script a new chapter in the urban redevelopment of the Capital” and serve as a strategic landmark at the gateway to the NDMC area. “Historically, clock towers were not only timekeepers but also prominent city landmarks. I am hopeful that this upcoming Clock Tower would also become a new landmark in the National Capital and will enrich the visual appeal of Lutyens’ Delhi’s skyline,” he said.

He also said another clock tower, being developed by the Delhi Development Authority at Sadbhavana Park near the Red Fort, was likely to be completed by the end of this month.

CM Rekha said the clock tower would stand as “a proud foundation of Delhi’s progress and a timeless witness to the journey of Viksit Bharat”. She added, “Its distinctive architecture will not only grace the skyline of New Delhi but also symbolise the spirit and identity of our nation. It will also reflect the progress of not only New Delhi but also the whole Delhi under the ‘Viksit Bharat’.”