Delhi will soon get its first houseboat-style convention centre, with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) set to float tenders for an all-wood facility at Baansera on the Yamuna floodplain. The project, backed by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, aims to create a public waterfront space while promoting citizen engagement in the river’s rejuvenation.
The work is expected to be completed within 180 days of the award of the contract, with the expected date of completion being in May / June, 2026. Built entirely with biodegradable wood and without concrete or steel, the convention centre will not use any concrete or steel structure, in line with the ecological character of the floodplain.
According to officials, once the bid is opened, after completion of the two-stage technical and financial bidding process, the successful bidder will be asked to make a presentation so as to ensure that all necessary requirements have been taken care of by the bidder.
The houseboat, about nine metres in height, will have four levels: lower, ground, middle and upper decks. Different varieties of wood will be used, including deodar at the base and the superstructure of cedar with walnut wood carvings. Ceilings and interior wall panels will involve chinar wood. This huge boat, to be made by master craftsmen, will be placed near the eating house at Baansera. Right from the railing, columns, Mehrab arches and exterior wall panels, everything will be intricately carved in Persian style. The interior wall panels will be made of chinar wood and the windows of cedar wood will have carved sash windows in Persian style with glass panes.
DDA officials said the upcoming tender will follow a two-stage technical and financial evaluation.
The selected bidder will have to make a detailed presentation to ensure compliance with design, structural and environmental requirements.
The wood to be used will be seasoned to avoid warping and all joints will be sealed with natural resin or other appropriate all-weather sealants to ensure longevity and strength of the structure.
The boat will be placed near the eating house at Baansera and will remain fixed to the ground rather than float.
Officials said the entire structure will be built with seasoned wood to prevent warping, with joints sealed using natural resin and weather-resistant materials to ensure long life. DDA expects a structural lifespan of at least 50 years.
Inside, the facility will include a meeting room for 15–20 people, a reception and waiting area, a dining section with a pantry, gallery space and interiors inspired by Kashmiri woodwork and carved jail patterns.
Engineered wood will be used for flooring, while fire-resistant boards will line the walls. Doors will meet fire-safety standards, and ceramic tiles will be used for backsplash areas.
Officials said the project is designed to give Delhi a unique cultural, recreational and business venue while keeping the ecological sensitivity of the floodplain central to the design.
The houseboat, about nine metres in height, will have four levels: lower, ground, middle and upper decks
