Project to restore lost glory of Chandni Chowk starts rolling

NEW LOOK Deputy CM lays foundation stone; 1.5km stretch will have five-metre footpaths and a 3.5-metre central verge

NEWDELHI: Laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said the execution of the project will not harm businesses in the area. Instead, he said, the redevelopment will, after completion, boost tourism and income of the traders.

Addressing a gathering of traders at the Chandni Chowk Town Hall, Sisodia said the 1.5-km street was not just a market but a reflection of Delhi’s cultural heritage and that the redevelopment project would “restore” the glory of the stretch and give it a modern touch.

“It is a historic day. We want to ensure that when tourists come to Chandni Chowk, they do not get stuck in traffic jams. The project will increase the number of tourists visiting the area. I want to ensure no harm is done to the businesses during the execution of project, which is expected to be completed in 12 months to 18 months,” Sisodia, who also holds the tourism portfolio, said.

Sisodia, however, said traders might have to go through “minor adjustments” while the project is underway but that should not be much of a problem.

The redevelopment plan of Mughal-era market — at an estimated cost of ₹65 crore — is being monitored and implemented under the directions of the Delhi high court.

As per the plan, only non-motorised vehicles (NMV) such as e-rickshaws, bicycles and cycle rickshaws will be allowed on the stretch between Red Fort and Fatehpuri Mosque. No motorised vehicle would be allowed to ply on the stretch between 9 am and 9 pm every day.

The stretch will have five-metre-wide footpaths on both sides and a 3.5-metre-wide central verge, where all transformers, police booths, toilets, drinking water ATMS, and trees will be accommodated.

Without naming any party, Sisodia said an atmosphere was being created so that traders did not want the redevelopment but the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has always worked for the benefit of the traders.

“Such a huge gathering here today (Friday) indicates that the traders want redevelopment of Chandni Chowk. It is an important step which we are taking for the benefit of the traders and the area. The reconstruction and decongestion work will increase tourism and trade by manifolds here,” Sisodia said.

Speaking at the occasion, PWD minister Satyendar Jain said that to cater to visitors, arrangements for parking of 1,500 cars would be made at the nearby Dangal Ground. He also quelled rumours that the traders were opposing the move.

“Only some politically motivated people are opposing it. Traders want it and they are with us. Under the plan, services will be upgraded and all the overhead wires will be made underground, which will make the shopping experience good and safe,” Jain said.

Chandni Chowk traders are divided over an elaborate plan to redevelop and decongest the stretch. BJP’S MP Vijay Goel, who is the founder of India heritage foundation, had on December 5 organised a meeting with traders at Town Hall building and had criticised the current plan.