While it was partially opened for a sneak peak in March last year—a houseboat in an artificial pond being the main attraction—the new Dilli Haat, being built by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Corporation (DTTDC), was supposed to be completed by October 2007.

Following an announcement by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in June last year, the new Dilli Haat was supposed to be inaugurated last November.

Senior DTTDC officials say technical snags contributed to the delay. “The complex was ready in time but there were technical delays like getting a completion certificate from the municipal corporation and finalising takers for the craft stalls,” said a DTTDC official.

A new tentative date has been fixed around March.

The complex has, however, hosted two DTTDC festivals-the Teej festival and a Diwali Mela over the last five months.

DTTDC chairperson-cum-managing director Sumati Mehta said the corporation is coordinating with the rural ministry to get artisans from various parts of the country.

“The complex is beautiful and has a more evolved design. A final date will be fixed within the next couple of weeks as we want to open the entire complex to the public instead of holding festivals,” said Mehta.

The new Dilli Haat will have 128 craft shops compared to 80 near the INA Market Haat, and will also feature a market where spices and handicrafts from all over India will be sold.

According to Mehta, the emphasis has been placed on greenery. The Pitampura Haat, located between the TV Tower and Delhi Metro’s Line 1, has terrace gardens that will keep the environ clean. There will also be a sewage treatment plant.

“The Dilli Haat was an experiment that worked. We are hoping to implement the lessons and ideas learnt from that Haat,” said the DTTDC director.

The Dilli Haat in front of the INA Market came up in 1992 on a six acre plot with a view to allow rural artisans to sell their products directly to customers. The Pitampura Haat will have a fully air-conditioned art gallery and a restaurant for “fine dining”, a conference room which can accommodate 140-150 people, and a dormitory for visiting craftsmen.