For the very first time, the 2010 Commonwealth Games will be held in India from October 3 to October 14. Delhi will host the Games and the opening ceremony will be at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in spite of the many delays that have caused much concern among officials. Because of the large number of visitors expected for the games, the Indira Ghandi International Airport has undergone a facelift. It has been made larger, and travelers into the airport can easily get to Delhi on the new freeway, or on the metro express line. The environment has taken a key role in the construction of areas for the Games. “Green” construction that takes the environment into consideration has been used whenever possible. Delhi is giving English language courses to workers so they may be better able to assist English-speaking tourists.
If You Are Attending the Delhi XIX Commonwealth Games
There are many services available to help travelers in Delhi during the Commonwealth Games. You will be able to book hotels in advance, find useful maps and a large amount of information on the official website, which is www.delhitourism.gov.in. If you have a cellular phone, you can call “1280” to ask questions about Delhi once you arrive. Officials expected a huge increase in the number of tourists as a result of the Games, and they have been surprised by the lack of hotel bookings so far. There is tightened security in all areas around the Games venues.
