Delhi: Chandni Chowk Revamp II With Jama Masjid In Focus

In the second phase of the Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan, the Public Works Department is working on a design that will be synchronous with the iconic Jama Masjid. The department is planning to make the area around Jama Masjid pedestrian only, like it was done with the main road in the first phase of the redevelopment. The architecture will be in the style of the mosque.

“We have asked the consultant company to work on a couple of points. The plan is divided into four areas. We are working on amalgamation of Mughal architecture with red sandstone in the second phase to give the area a renewed look. The earlier corridor that was beautified looks similar to Red Fort,” said a PWD official.

As part of the second phase of the project, the department is working on facade improvement, redevelopment of internal roads, beautification of the area around Jama Masjid and pedestrianisation of the stretch between Delhi Gate and Kashmere Gate. “This phase will have different challenges as the internal roads are narrow. The area around Jama Masjid may also be pedestrianised like the main road,” the official said.

After redevelopment of the main road in Chandni Chowk, PWD would be redeveloping Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate. The company has been given nine months to complete the survey, after which it will submit the plan to deal with encroachments, bus shelters and cost of construction.

The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation is working along with PWD to redevelop this heritage area and cultural centre in the Walled City. There will be a dedicated non-motorised vehicle zone on Netaji Subhash Marg and signboards and bollards will be installed at various places. Starting from Netaji Subhash Marg near Red Fort, beautification work will be undertaken on the stretch from Old Delhi Railway Station to Church Mission Road. To provide parking facilities to traders and visitors, North Delhi Municipal Corporation is also constructing a mega multi-level parking at Dangal Maidan. The revamped 1. 3km stretch of Chandni Chowk was inaugurated last year by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. It was paved with red extending from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. While benches and plants adorn the remakes navigation easy. CCTV cameras have been installed in the area to ensure safety. The stretch was also made a non-motorised traffic zone between 9am and 9pm.