‘ Old Delhi facelift will boost tourism’

Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia Friday laid the foundation stone for redevelopment works in Chandni Chowk and said once the project is completed, it will boost tourism in the area.

Addressing a gathering at an event, he assured traders that there will be no harm to their business during the execution of project which is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months. Urban development minister Satyendar Jain said the Delhi government will run an electric tram on this stretch and arrangements will be made at Dangal Ground for parking of around 1,500 cars.

The redevelopment project is expected to cost of ` 65 crore. Only non- motorised vehicles will be allowed in Chandni Chowk during the day after work on the project is completed.

The key features of the redevelopment project include pedestrian and non motorized vehicle friendly sectioning of the roads, parking facility for around 1,500 cars nearby in Dangal Maidan, revival of the old ‘ electric trams.’ The project also aims to remove the overhead wires for beautification and prevention of fires, upgradation of services and utilities such as public toilets, drinking water, fountains, bicycle parking, cycle rickshaw stands and information kiosks. It will also include monitoring facilities in the area including installation of the CCTV cameras and police booths.

“Today is a historic day for Chandni Chowk. We want to ensure that when tourists come to Chandni Chowk, they do not get stuck in traffic,” Mr Sisodia said.