NEW DELHI: A major step towards strengthening fitness infrastructure in the national capital was taken on Saturday as Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art gymnasium at the Palika Services Officers’ Institute (PSOI) Club located in Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri.
The project has been launched with the objective of encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle among residents, employees and members associated with the NDMC. The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently emphasized the importance of fitness, wellness and preventive healthcare through national campaigns such as the Fit India Movement, Khelo India and Mission LiFE.
Addressing the gathering during the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Chahal highlighted that physical fitness plays a crucial role in achieving the larger national objective of building a developed India by 2047. He said that a healthy population is essential for a strong and prosperous nation, and investments in modern fitness infrastructure contribute significantly to that goal.
According to NDMC officials, the proposed gymnasium will be equipped with advanced fitness facilities and modern amenities designed to meet contemporary standards. The project includes comprehensive civil construction works along with architectural finishing, electrical installations, lighting systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) provisions, flooring, waterproofing, doors, windows and other supporting infrastructure.
The gymnasium will be developed over a covered area of approximately 252 square metres and is being designed to provide a comfortable and motivating environment for fitness enthusiasts. The facility will feature spacious workout zones, high-quality flooring suitable for various fitness activities, a reception area, modern glass-front architecture and a thoughtfully planned interior layout.
Officials said that special attention has been given to creating a user-friendly environment that supports different forms of exercise and wellness activities. The design aims to combine functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that members have access to a premium fitness experience within the club premises.
Chahal informed that the project has been estimated at a cost of around ₹2 crore and is expected to be completed within six months. Once operational, the gymnasium will offer modern fitness infrastructure to members of the PSOI Club and serve as an important addition to NDMC’s efforts to promote health and well-being.
He noted that the facility will incorporate energy-efficient systems and sustainable features wherever possible. Advanced lighting arrangements, modern electrical infrastructure and climate-control systems will be installed to ensure comfort and safety throughout the year. These features are expected to enhance the overall user experience while also supporting efficient energy consumption.
The NDMC Vice Chairman emphasized that urban development should not be limited to roads, buildings and public utilities alone. He said that recreational and fitness facilities are equally important for improving the quality of life of citizens. By creating accessible spaces for exercise and wellness, civic bodies can play a meaningful role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing lifestyle-related health concerns.
The gymnasium project is also expected to strengthen community engagement by providing a dedicated space where members can focus on physical fitness and overall wellness. With increasing awareness about the importance of regular exercise, such facilities are becoming an essential part of modern urban infrastructure.
Chahal expressed confidence that the new gymnasium would emerge as a valuable asset for PSOI Club members and contribute to building a culture of fitness among people associated with NDMC. He reiterated that the project reflects the broader vision of creating a stronger, healthier and more vibrant India through sustained investments in public health and fitness infrastructure.
The foundation stone ceremony marks the beginning of a project that combines modern design, advanced amenities and a commitment to public well-being. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide a high-quality fitness environment and support the ongoing national mission of promoting active living, wellness and holistic development under the vision of Fit India and Viksit Bharat.
