Infrastructure arrangements for Commonwealth to be ready by Sept

All infrastructure arrangements for the conduct of the Commonwealth Games (CWG), to be held at Delhi from October 3-14, will be ready by the middle of September 2010 with tight security cover provided for the event, a top official of the CWG organising committe said here today.

Several steps, including use of state-of-the-art technology, have been taken to tighten security. "There will be tight security cover at all venues as was seen in the recent world cup hockey and in ongoing Indian Premier League, Twenty20 cricket," Jiji Thomson, special director-general, organising committee Commonweath Games 2010, told reporters.

Safety of athletes, official and visitors during the games is the top most priority of the organising committee, he said, adding initially some countries expressed concern,but now everyone is fully satisfied with security arrangements.

All infrastructure arrangements will be ready by the middle of September, Thomson said.

Thomson said that 71 Commonwealth associations from 53 countries will vie for the honours in this mega event.

There will be 17 sporting events including Rugby and Netball introduced for the first time in the CWG, he said, adding about 8,000 athletes are expected to participate.

"Spirits and energy levels are high and all efforts are being made to ensure that India is among the top two nations in the medals tally at Delhi 2010," he said.

The expense for the development of infrastructure without including airport and metro modernisation, was estimated at
USD two billion, he said. The Green Games initiatives are being implemented at all competition and non-competition venues, Thomson said.

"The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and it will be a never seen before
experience. Not only will the games leave behind improved infrastructure and facilities for the citizens of Delhi, but will also promote investment in the city," he said.

Hosting a sporting event of the magnitude of the CWG, after the Asian Games about three decades ago, is a matter of international prestige and pride for the country. "The legacy of the 19th CWG will be to make the sports culture a part of the daily life of every Indian, particularly the youth."

Another sector that would see substantial improvements will be transportation with flyovers, broader roads, a larger metro system, and an integrated rail bus transport system, he said.

The modernisation of the Indira Gandhi International Airport would go a long way towards improving India's links with the rest of the world, he added.