Green light for Chandni Chowk makeover

The Delhi government on Wednesday cleared the long-stalled redevelopment plans for Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, paving the way to start work in the area.

The project, which aims to give a new look to the Walled City, has been in the pipeline for over six years. It was finally inaugurated in 2011 by Union HRD Minister and Chandni Chowk MP Kapil Sibal. However, the plan got mired in procedural delays.

"The plan has finally got clearance from Delhi government and we have asked the municipal corporation to go ahead with the process of issuing tenders. We hope that work in Chandni Chowk and areas around Jama Masjid will start by this year-end,'' a senior government official said.

The government would monitor the work being implemented by the civic agency.

As part of the redevelopment plan for Chandni Chowk, all electric wires will be placed underground in utility ducts. Other service wires and pipelines will also be moved underground, similar to what is being done in Connaught Place.

"The total cost of the Chandni Chowk project is Rs 55 crore which will be released by the Delhi government. Discoms will be paid Rs 12 crore for shifting the wires underground,'' said an official, who also claimed that the involvement of too many stakeholders had delayed the project.

The project also plans to restrict movement of vehicles in Chandni Chowk, between 9 am and 9 pm, and improve parking space.

"The project will also concentrate on creating proper pavements and improving the overall facade outside all shops. The main Chandni Chowk road will be strengthened,'' the official said.

The redevelopment work will carried be out keeping in mind the cultural and heritage aspects of the area, he said.

"The main road of Chandni Chowk was earlier handed over to Public Works Department (PWD) by the municipal corporation. But since this road forms part of the redevelopment plan, PWD will hand it back to the civic agency,'' the official said.

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