Chandni Chowk plan in a jam

Monday, March 24, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

The redevelopment plan of Chandni Chowk has been in the works for quite some time but work is yet to take off with heavy traffic in
the area being the main concern. There are proposals of either making the road from Red Fort to Fatehpuri one-way as this stretch has to be resurfaced or blocking vehicular traffic during the project implementation period.

Abhimanyu Dalal, architect in-charge of the redevelopment project, said: "We are still assessing how to implement the plan. For the period during which the project will be carried out, we are looking at making traffic flow from Red Fort to Fatehpuri one-way while work is carried out on one side of the road. People can leave or enter through Church Mission Road or from Fatehpuri side. Work such as micro-surfacing the road and creating service ducts will take three months. We are consulting CRRI on how to implement the plan. ''

Dalal added: "We want to restrict entry and exit timings of trucks and other vehicles and also allow other vehicles inside the area till a certain point to make it more pedestrian-friendly.''

Deputy commissioner, city zone, Vijay Singh, feels that restricting vehicular traffic for the time work is going on will be the best option. "While the tendering process for carrying out the work has been completed it has to be tabled in the standing committee for approval,'' he said.

Said secretary of Chandni Chowk traders association Sanjay Bharghav: "We have been awaiting redevelopment of the area for over four years. Chandni Chowk attracts highest number of tourists but little has been done to improve and upgrade facilities in the area.''

While the plan aims at increasing pedestrian walking space by restricting vehicular traffic, the fact remains that even as cycle-rickshaws were banned sometime back, they can still be seen plying on the road. Other aspects of the plan include uniform signages and restoration of original pillars and facades besides upgrading facilities like public urinals and tourist centres.