Chandni Chowk redevelopment: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation takes up first non-Metro job

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is gearing up to consult for its first non-Metro project — the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk area. The plan was given the go-ahead by the Delhi government on Monday.

While the government wanted DMRC to also implement the project, the agency declined the offer. Now, Public Works Department (PWD) will be implementing the plan, with DMRC acting as a consultant.

The decision to rope in DMRC was taken at a high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and attended by Union Minister and Chandni Chowk MP Kapil Sibal and representatives from PWD, DMRC, Delhi Jal Board and Finance and Power departments.

Under the Phase-I of the project, service cables will be moved underground. This is expected to be completed in a year's time. The Phase-II will include the renewal of Chandni Chowk.

Underlining the need to bring change in the Shahajahanabad area, Dikshit said, "This is an important project and will include the improvement of streets, pedestrian-friendly environment and preservation of heritage. The PWD has been give the task of implementing the project and has been directed to complete it in one year."

She said the roads, which are wider than 60 feet, would be taken from the municipal corporation and given to the PWD for development.

Following the meeting, Sibal said the plans were ready for implementation. "It is important for work to start early, though the project has been delayed due to the multiplicity of authorities. It has taken some time because it was important not to disrupt traffic during this redevelopment," Sibal said.

He said in the first phase services like water supply, electricity and gas lines would be shifted underground, while agencies have been told to work in tandem to ensure that the project is completed on time.

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