Delhi: Cops ready March plan for ‘new’ Chandni Chowk

NEW DELHI: Traffic police has proposed a circulation plan for Chandni Chowk after the stretch would be turned into a no-go zone for motor vehicles once the re-development project is completed in early March next year. Officers said that the plan would require major changes on the roads adjoining Chandni Chowk, and the plan has been sent for an approval to the government and civic bodies.

Cops have also listed out the problems they might face. In a report, the traffic police said one of the biggest problems of de-motorising Chandni Chowk road would be its semi-commerical nature. A lot of residents staying in the area use the stretch for commute. “ Pedestrianisation is advocated in areas with just commercial establishment, hence problems pertaining to all these stakeholders need to be addressed,” said the report. The traffic police has also called for necessary modifications keeping view the uniqueness of Chandni Chowk. Recently, during a discussion with all stake holders. Insufficient parking space was found to be the biggest issue faced by the residents. The adjoining roads like SPM Marg, Sradhhanand Marg, Khari Baoli Road that is proposed to take the diverted traffic would need major changes to accomodate the heavy volume of traffic.


There is also a need to keep rickshaws and other non-motorised vehicles plying in the area within a limit. The stakeholders have also proposed cops to limit e-rickshaws to the main road only. The civic bodies have also been asked to think about setting up water and ice-cream vending machines to prevent roadside peddling. A subsidised parking space for residents too has been mooted in the proposal. The cops were also asked to figure out ways to have dedicated drop-off and pickup points for TSRs and taxis. The residents have also proposed the creation of a traffic pit and stricter enforcement of restriction laws.

Cops have also been asked to find out ways to accommodate religion processions and langars for the Sikh community and Sunday prayers for Christians in the circulation plans. The stakeholders have also appealed to the NGT for a clarification on the rules regarding loading and un-loading of goods vehicles at Chandni Chowk.

Joint commissioner (traffic) Alok Kumar said that the proposals would be reviewed by all the concerned agencies before a final plan is prepared.