The Indian capital's central business district of Connaught Place will go wi-fi from Jan 1 that will facilitate easy internet access for businessmen, tourists and others.

A six-month public-private pilot project is to be launched from Jan 1 next year. Around 10 internet kiosks are being set up and government buildings, offices, restaurants and café will get wi-fi (wireless fidelity) that will make internet access free for laptop and mobile users.

'This is a pilot project and we will start a survey to find other areas in the capital where this project can be launched after six months,' said Yogesh Khanduja, systems analyst of the Department of Information Technology.

The project in its initial stages will cover an area of two kilometres in Connaught Place. 'We are setting up 10 information kiosks in market places and government offices so that people coming to the area for business and shopping would be able to connect to the Internet without any hassle,' said Khanduja.

'For these kiosks, certain security measures will also have to be taken,' he said. 'We have taken all the measures to stop people from damaging the network,' said Khanduja.

Since the project involves heavy expenditure, it is necessary to install an elaborate security arrangement, he said.

'We have an agreement with offices and civic authorities that incidental expenses would be looked after by them and they would also provide security for the kiosks,' said Khanduja.

The Delhi government is in talks with some private parties and building owners where the systems could be installed, he said.

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