* Known for hanging on to its macho image, the Delhi Police is having second thoughts in favour of raising the numbers of women officers in 2008. The recruits will be trained in various arts of policing — from crowd control to crime busting. Caught unawares this year in a few situations, such as the IP College and Bawana Aditya College girls’ protests, officials felt the need for more trained women officers.

* Though recruitment for 1,070 constables is about to start, there is still a need for women investigating officers. At present, 2,859 women occupy various posts in the Delhi Police. Gurgaon is expected to meet a shortage of over 6,000 personnel.

AIR TIME

Fewer delays. That’s the goal for the coming year at IGI airport with the third runway expected to be functional by mid-2008. The runway will feature CAT-IIIB Instrument Landing System at both ends. This equipment will allow landings in visibility as low as 50 metres. The 60-metre-wide Code F runway will also cater to new-generation large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

A new five-storey parking lot is also expected to come up in 2008.

GOVERNMENT

* Delhi is expected to get a new municipal commissioner in 2008 with the incumbent already empanelled with the Delhi government.

l The Assembly polls take place in the coming year.

* Sleek and comfortable low-floor buses are all set to take over from the Bluelines, which have been involved in 116 road deaths this year. DTC plans to introduce 25 new AC buses to beat the summer heat.

* The Delhi Bus Rapid Transit system, formerly known as the High Capacity Bus System, is scheduled to take off in April.

* NDMC is working full swing to give markets like Janpath, and Yusuf Zai (see page 2) a new look. CP plans restore its ‘old’ and ‘original’ image.

JUDICIARY

A dozen new judges will be sworn in the Delhi High Court in 2008, taking the total number to 48, in a bid to improve the case disposal rate. But at the receiving end of sharp criticism of “judicial overreach” from the Supreme Court, some of the much followed public interest litigations like the ones on Blueline, India Gate thoroughfare and MCD sealing drive are proceeding at a slow pace.

MUNICIPAL WiFi

In 2008, Delhi is expected to start experimenting with widespread WiFi services. The pilot project of this initiative, slated to be set up in Connaught Place, will help users surf the Internet, check email and even make online purchases while on the move. For laptop haulers, this will ensure connectivity and mobility around Delhi’s definitive shopping district. But people not in the habit of lugging computing equipment need not worry — the proposal involves setting up of surfing kiosks.

FLYOVERS

Hoopla over scams and over-pricing of the three flyovers in Noida by various departments will be passé in 2008. Built by the UP State Bridge Corporation, the flyovers at Amity Circle near Sector-44, the one near Sector-82 and Film City, meant to ease traffic woes of the suburb, is set to be completed the coming year.