Khan Market could see CP-like chaos

If you’re a regular at Khan Market, this should worry you. The urban development ministry has given the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) its approval to construct a multi-level parking lot near the market that, traders say, offers more problems than solutions.

If you’re a regular at Khan Market, this should worry you. The urban development ministry has given the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) its approval to construct a multi-level parking lot near the market that, traders say, offers more problems than solutions.

HT Image

The NDMC believes the plan will minimise traffic congestion. “We have been allotted space in the market to construct a multi-level parking lot to address the traffic problems,” said Archana Arora, NDMC chairperson.

However, traders fear it will create the same chaos witnessed in Connaught Place two years ago. The place will have to be barricaded to accommodate heavy machines, making parking and access to the market a nightmare for more than a year.

That’s not all. The NDMC also plans to construct a fire safety corridor in the market’s middle lane that will act as an additional fire exit. The construction of the corridor will shrink the shops, which means less space for the restaurants.

Some shops might even have to shut down temporarily.

Sanjiv Mehra, president of the Khan Market Traders Association, said a final call can only be taken after a discussion with the NDMC.

“We are yet to receive an official outline of the plan. We just hope the NDMC doesn’t encroach on the space that does not belong to them,” he said.