New Delhi: In a bid to offer affordable reading spaces for students and develop world-class sporting facilities, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched two projects—an ice-skating rink in sector 23, Dwarka and a library, Aarambh, in G-Block, sector 11, Rohini. The initiatives have been rolled out as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations. After laying the foundation stone for the project on Tuesday, lieutenant governor VK Saxena said the facility will serve both as a recreational destination and a professional training ground, supporting sportspersons getting trained for the Winter Olympics and Asian Winter Games. “With year-round access to a climate-controlled rink, Delhi’s athletes will be able to train at international standards,” he said. Located near the Urban Extension Road (UER), Dwarka Expressway and the airport tunnel linking sector-21 to IGI Airport Terminal 3, the rink is being developed under a public-private partnership model on a 15-year licence fee basis. It is designed to host ice skating, ice hockey and curling. Construction is expected to be completed by May next year. The complex will feature modern amenities, including F&B outlets, a rehabilitation room and a sports shop.On Wednesday, the Aarambh library in Rohini was also inaugurated. This facility will operate in three eight-hour shifts and accommodate over 130 students daily. It will charge a nominal fee of Rs 1,000 per month. “This is the fourth library in the city providing affordable reading spaces to students. It features modular study tables with power sockets, high speed Wi-Fi, secure lockers, CCTV surveillance, ergonomic seating, air-conditioned and well-lit interiors,” DDA stated. A cafeteria, Café Vardaan, will serve light meals and snacks, offering students a space to unwind. The Aarambh initiative was launched following the tragic incident in Old Rajendra Nagar in July last year, where three students lost their lives in a flooded basement. The first library under this initiative opened in Jan 2025 in Old Rajendra Nagar, followed by centres in Adchini Village and sector 16 B, Dwarka. Another facility is planned in Vikaspuri and will be launched soon.
