New Delhi: The Press Enclave Road area in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, a dense cluster of hotels, hostels and guest houses that largely cater to patients visiting nearby Max Hospital, came under scrutiny after a fire at a local bed and breakfast killed 21 people on Wednesday.
Just a short walk away from Max Hospital, the area has developed into a preferred hub for foreign and local patients looking for affordable accommodation during their treatment.
A tour of the area revealed dozens of hotels and guest houses operating within walking distance, many of which are located in narrow multi-storey buildings sandwiched between restaurants and commercial establishments.
Many establishments have more than 30 rooms, while some offer accommodation in basements and on rooftops.
The area is dotted with narrow lanes, which in some places are barely wide enough to allow the passage of a person, adjacent buildings and connecting hotels, restaurants and service areas.
Locals estimate that there are more than 35 hotels and guesthouses operating in the neighbourhood, many of which offer budget accommodation for patients and their companions.
Among those residing in the area is Musa Okoro, a foreign national undergoing treatment at Max Hospital.
Narrating Wednesday’s events, Okoro said that he returned from the hospital to find a large crowd outside a nearby hotel.
He said: “I have been in the hospital since the morning. When I returned, I saw a lot of people standing outside and I realized that something serious had happened. There was panic and people were running around after the fire broke out.”
Okoro said he initially intended to stay at Flourish Stay B&B in Hoz Rani, where the tragedy occurred, but eventually checked into another nearby guest house after being told rooms were not available.
“If there had been a room available, I would have stayed in that building,” he said.
Another foreign patient, Yusuf from Bangladesh, said he chose to stay in the area because it was close to the hospital and offered affordable accommodation options.
“Everything we need is available within walking distance. For people undergoing treatment, staying close to the hospital is very important,” he said.
However, the fire has raised concerns about safety standards in the area.
“After seeing what happened, I am worried,” Youssef said. “There are many hotels very close to each other and the corridors are very narrow. I hope the authorities will check whether proper safety measures are in place.”
The fire broke out at the NOC’s allegedly non-fire-operated bed and breakfast on Wednesday morning, killing at least 21 people, including 11 foreigners whose relatives were being treated in nearby hospitals.
Officials said the fire started around 8.30am and spread quickly through the narrow five-storey building which had only one entry and exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door.
They added that at least 58 people were rescued and taken to hospitals, where 21 people, including 10 Indians, were declared dead.
The tragedy has renewed concerns among residents and visitors about compliance with fire safety and building standards at one of the capital’s busiest medical accommodation centres.
