Delhi is Indias most populous city, and the second-most populous city in the world. According to latest estimates, the per capita income of Indias national capital is higher than that of any other city. Property in Delhi is expensive, partly because it is Indias capital city and the largest commercial centre in North India. Delhi and adjacent satellite cities Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Faridabad together form the National Capital Region (NCR). Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, though Delhi had been the capital of seven empires in the past. Parliament of India, ministries of the Indian government and many of the major government entities are in Delhi. Of Indias metropolises, Delhi has the largest green cover. The green cover of Delhi is 180 square kilometers, and this is nearly twice of that of Bengaluru, which is known as the Garden City of India. Delhi is also the second bird-rich city in the world, next to Nairobi.
Infrastructure
Built in the past 18 years, the Delhi Metro is the 12th largest mass transit system in the world. Delhis road density is 2,103kms per 100 sq km, the highest in India. The Delhi government, however, plans to redesign over 1,200 kms of road in the city. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is said to be the largest infrastructure project in the world. The Delhi Metro is also considered one of the worlds largest infrastructure projects.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the busiest airport in India, if judged according to passenger traffic. The Northern Railway is headquartered in Delhi, and the city has five major railway stations. Delhi has a suburban railway system and a 51-km long inner ring road that strengthens connectivity within the city. However, buses still remain a population transportation mode in the city. Delhi is connected to its satellite cities Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad by Delhi-Noida Direct Flyway, Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and Delhi-Faridabad Skyway, respectively. Indias largest motorway connects New Delhi to Agra. Large parts of New Delhi were planned by the British architect, Edward Lutyens. Delhis Lutyens Zone is known for its architectural merits.
Homes and living
The National Capital Region is the largest real estate market in the country. Prime real estate in Delhi is among the most expensive in the world. Property in Delhi is more expensive in certain areas like South and Central Delhi. Some of the most expensive houses in the world are in Delhis Lutyens Zone. Greater Kailash, Defense Colony, Gulmohar Park, Paschim Vihar and Hauz Khas are some of the other expensive residential areas in Delhi. With the emergence of satellite cities like Noida and Gurgaon, the city has become more dispersed, with jobs and residences spread over a longer distance. In the recent past, real estate prices have been rising in parts of Delhi like Rohini and Dwarka, even though real estate transactions have not been intense in the recent past. As infrastructure and transportation networks have been developing in Noida and Gurgaon, real estate in some parts of these satellite cities are in great demand though.
Delhis central business district, Connaught Place, is one of the worlds most expensive office space markets, while Khan Market is Indias most expensive retail market. Proposals to rebuild Connaught Place are being debated, and if this happens, property prices in and around the area may rise further. The Rs 7,000-crore eastern highway project that is planned to decongest Delhi is expected to alter real estate prices in the city when it is completed.
Real estate and construction
South Delhi, North Delhi and East Delhi Municipal Corporations are the three municipal corporations in Delhi, responsible for collecting taxes. In Delhi, property tax is paid according to the locality in which your property is situated, the year in which the property was constructed, occupancy, and structural factors. For instance, Category- A colonies pay a higher amount of property tax. Women, senior citizens and handicapped receive property tax rebate. Former servicemen are eligible for property tax rebates, too. In Delhi, Stamp Duty for men is six per cent, while it is four per cent for women. The Registration Fee in Delhi is one per cent of the value of the property mentioned in the Sale Deed. There is a pasting charge of Rs 100 while registering property or a Sale Deed. Municipal Corporations of Delhi allow you to pay property tax online. Early tax payers receive tax rebates from the MCD. Property is registered at the Sub-Registrars Office.
Demographics
According to the 2011 census, Delhis population is 16.3 million people. Spread over 1,483 sq km, Delhi is less dense than comparably populated Indian cities like Mumbai. Delhi is, however, the third largest urban area in the world. A significant fraction of the population growth of Delhi can be attributed to migration from other Indian states. The rate of population growth of Delhi is among the highest in the world, among cities. In Delhi, the proportion of people who live under poverty line is less than one-third of that of the rest of the country. Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu are some of the most popular languages spoken in Delhi, among other Indian languages. Though estimates vary, a significant part of Delhis population live in slums.
Governance
The central government and Delhis state government together govern Delhi. The New Delhi Municipal Council, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Cantonment Board are three urban local authorities that have authority over Delhi. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is a major planning agency in Delhi. Delhis public roads are maintained by the three urban local authorities that govern over Delhi, along with the DDA. The DDA is responsible for development in the city, and formulates master plans for Delhi. The DDA has over 67,354.88 acres of land. DDA develops land for residential, industrial and horticultural purposes. DDA also develops green land. The Delhi Jal Board provides water in the city. The municipal corporation of Delhi engages in sewage collection in the city. Electricity is provided by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited and Tata Power Distribution. Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Limited (MTNL) and other private companies provide telephone and mobile services in the city. The Delhi Metro is operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Food and Supplies Department provides ration cards in Delhi.
Industry and employment
A significant fraction of Delhis workforce is employed by the government. Delhi is also a prominent commercial centre and a major industrial hub. Delhi also has a rapidly growing manufacturing sector. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is expected to raise investment in major industries in Delhi and other cities along the corridor. The non-profits and media organisations in Delhi are a major source of employment. The software industry, hospitality sector, and telecommunications are among quickly growing segments in Delhi. Delhi is also a major retail destination, even by global standards.
Lifestyle
Delhi has many parks and historical monuments. Holi, Diwali and Id are among the popular festivals celebrated in Delhi. The Mughal and British rule has contributed much to Delhis architecture. The Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb are situated in Delhi. There are nearly 1,200 heritage buildings in Delhi. Some of the wholesale markets in Delhi are among the largest in Asia. Delhi is also well known for its diverse street food. Select Citywalk in Saket, Pacific Mall in Tagore Garden, DLF Emporio in Vasant Kunj, Ansal Plaza in Andrews Ganj and DLF Promenade in Vasant Kunj are among the largest shopping malls in Delhi. Lodhi Gardens, Deer Park, Gulmohar Park, Shalimar Bagh Park and Central Park are among the major parks in Delhi. Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi houses the headquarters of Directorate of Film Festivals and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Sarojini Nagar Market, Connaught Place and Khan Market are among the major markets in Delhi.
In summers, Delhis temperature averages around 32 degree Celsius and in winter, it averages around 12 to 13 degree Celsius. But, temperature in Delhi had been as low as -2.2 degree Celsius and as high as 48.4 degree Celsius.
