Chandni Chowk decongestion work to start soon

Shoppers will very soon be able to move around easily in the presently congested Chandni Chowk area. After a delay of several years, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is finally awarding the redevelopment work of Chandni Chowk—from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid.

Shoppers will very soon be able to move around easily in the presently congested Chandni Chowk area. After a delay of several years, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is finally awarding the redevelopment work of Chandni Chowk—from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid.

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The civic agency has finalised a firm and the proposal will be tabled in the MCD's Standing Committee for approval. Under the plan, the footpaths on the Chandni Chowk Road will be widened resulting in more walking space for people.

According to MCD officials, two contractors were short-listed and one has finally been given a go-ahead. MCD official said the project will cost Rs 8.3 crore.

Not only will the footpaths be widened, but streetscaping will also be carried out. Under the project, new kiosks, public toilets, uniform signboards, will be put up while present transformers and police posts on the road will be removed.

"We will improve street lighting, light masts and lighting of building facades. In addition to this, kiosks will be created for flower sellers present near the Red Fort. New signages will also be put up," said a senior MCD official. The entire road, presently marred by potholes, will be relaid, too. Six public buildings will be given a uniform look by changing their façade. As part of the makeover, pre-fabricated tree guards will also be installed.

Once cleared, the proposal will be sent to MCD House. After this, the civic agency will award the work to the firm short-listed by it. Work will begin once the agency's political wing approves it.

After frequent cases of fire in Chandni Chowk, the Delhi government had also decided to construct ducts in the entire market. As part of the plan, all power and telephone cables will be shifted underground.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit had said that an amount of Rs 25 crore will be spent on creating such ducts to make the Walled City neater and more aesthetic.