New Delhi: As part of a plan to convert the defunct Rajghat power plant into a major night-time economy and public leisure destination, Delhi govt’s power department is exploring the option of modular open-air performance plazas hosting concerts, theatre and cultural events — a redesigned space that can remain active well into the night.Officials said cultural programming is being seen as the anchor for night-time footfall, creating safe, vibrant public spaces while generating economic activity after dark.
The concept draws inspiration from London’s Battersea Power Station redevelopment. Once a coal-fired plant on the Thames, Battersea was transformed into a mixed-use district while retaining its industrial heritage. The project introduced cultural venues, public plazas, restaurants, riverfront walkways and offices, turning an abandoned site into a thriving neighbourhood with strong night-time activity and tourism-driven revenue.“If we are able to bring people outside their homes, we are not just giving them open space for leisure, but also taking the load off our power infrastructure,” said power minister Ashish Sood.To support this cultural hub, the department is also examining the creation of a dedicated food street within the Rajghat complex, where licensed vendors would sell popular Delhi street food, chaat, kebabs and Old Delhi specialities in a regulated and hygienic environment. Officials said the food street is expected to generate steady night-time employment while offering affordable leisure options for residents.Other proposals under consideration include a Yamuna riverfront promenade with LED-lit walkways, seating areas and leisure zones, aimed at encouraging evening walks and social activity. A late-night heritage museum using augmented and virtual reality is also being explored, allowing visitors to engage with Delhi’s power history beyond conventional daytime hours.To attract younger crowds and families, govt is also examining plans such as indoor gaming zones, immersive entertainment spaces and rooftop cafés overlooking the Yamuna and the illuminated chimney. Together, these elements are intended to create a layered night-time economy combining culture, food, recreation and tourism.According to officials, ensuring access and safety after dark is central to the vision. The power department is exploring extended Metro services at weekends, electric bus connectivity and pedestrian-only zones within the complex, with parking facilities on the periphery.Officials said that the proposals are still at a conceptual stage. “The objective is to build a sustainable night-time economy for Delhi, taking cues from international redevelopments like Battersea Power Station,” a senior official said, adding that public-private partnership (PPP) models are being evaluated for financial viability.As per officials, land for the defunct Rajghat power plant in Delhi has complex ownership, with about 70% owned by Delhi govt and the rest by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), though central government’s Land and Development Office (L&DO) holds the original lease and claims some reversionary rights as the lessee.
