Ban on motorised vehicles in Chandi Chowk likely in four weeks

While the project to transform Chandni Chowk into a “pedestrian-friendly no-vehicle zone” may take 10 months to complete, a ban on motorised vehicles on the 1.5km stretch between Red Fort and Fatehpuri Mosque is likely in four weeks.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has set June 30, 2019, as the deadline to carry out all necessary changes in the market, including shifting of public facilities and widening of pavements and the central verge, so that there is adequate space for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles (NMVs).

A senior official of the Delhi government said the immediate ban on motorised vehicles is required for smooth execution of the project before the PWD could start civil work on the ground.

“The matter will be discussed with the minister in-charge and the stakeholders next week. We will seek an immediate ban on motorised vehicles. This will help timely completion of the work,” said the official who is privy to the development.

According to the timeline prepared by PWD, the tender for the project — after due sanction by Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) — will be floated by September 15. “We are expecting to start work by December 15. We have committed to complete the task within 9.5 months. The target is to finish the project by June 30, 2019,” said a PWD official.

On Monday, Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal had approved the plan to reserve the 1.5km stretch for pedestrians and NMVs. He had said that there should be a ban on movement of motorised vehicles for 12 hours a day — between 9 am and 9 pm. The Delhi high court on Friday also gave a go-ahead to the plan by the directing authorities to address issued flagged by stakeholders.

“A proper project plan will be prepared. The work on the central verge is likely to be taken up first as all facilities, including power transformers, will be placed on it. One carriageway will to have to be closed for all vehicles in a phased manner within four weeks,” said the PWD official, requesting anonymity.

Responding to concerns over the ban, the official said they will take all residents and traders’ associations on board.

Sanjay Bhargava, president of Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, said people with vested interest are opposing the project.

Author and historian Swapna Liddle, however, said a study should have been conducted before enforcing a blanket ban. “How many did they consult? Each section has a different requirement and view. The road is quite wide but the problem is encroachment and wrong parking. These issues need to be addressed first,” she said.

Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba, who is also director of the SRDC, said,“Consultation has been taking place for 10 years. It is time to act.”