Old City to enjoy last tonga rides on May 31

Come May 31, Old Delhi will finally hang the saddles and lose one of its centuries-old icons. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided not to renew the licences of tongawallas that will expire at the end of this month. The civic agency will close down the stable at Asaf Ali Road and convert it into a road.

Come May 31, Old Delhi will finally hang the saddles and lose one of its centuries-old icons. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided not to renew the licences of tongawallas that will expire at the end of this month. The civic agency will close down the stable at Asaf Ali Road and convert it into a road.

HT Image

“This is the first phase under which the licences of tongawallas will not be renewed and they will not be able to ply in Old Delhi. This will help in decongesting the area.

After removing the stable from Asaf Ali Road, we will take up other areas,” said MCD commissioner K S Mehra. Though the licences expire on Monday, the civic agency will start taking action on tongawallas from June 6.

There are 132 licensed tonga owners in the city, plying tongas in areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Trans-Yamuna areas near Old Delhi Railway station, Seetaram Bazaar and Delhi Gate.

“In today’s age, there is no space or demand for these slow-moving, animal-driven vehicles. In addition, the animals are subjected to cruelty,” said a senior MCD official.

The MCD said licensed tonga holders, under rehabilitation, have been given tehbazari or vending sites in Shastri Park area.