The organisers of the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi have claimed that the preparations are progressing well and the venues would be ready by the end of 2009.

Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said all venue plans have been finalised and the awarding of construction tenders is near completion.

"Our goal is to see all the infrastructure required for the Games ready by the end of 2009 to enable us to institute a comprehensive testing programme," Kalmadi told the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly.

The representatives of 71 countries are meeting in the Sri Lankan capital this week to decide the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the fight is between Abuja (Nigeria) and Glasgow (Scotland).

"The city of Delhi is currently undergoing a huge transformation, driven by the approaching Games," Kalmadi told the delegates.

"There has been an explosion of infrastructure development. Metro lines are being extended, new high capacity buses are on the way, the city has new flyovers and expressways, and the power and water supplies have been vastly improved," Kalmadi said.

He said the changes illustrated India's and Delhi's commitment to the Games to be held in October 2010.

Kalmadi, also the president of the Indian Olympic Association, said the organisers are pledged to make the mega event environment-friendly.

"We have committed to delivering a Green Games and have recently partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme towards achieving this," he said.