In a determined move to restore the lost glory of Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest commercial centers, Member of Parliament Shri Praveen Khandelwal conducted an in-depth inspection of the area, walking from the historic Gauri Shankar Mandir near Red Fort to Sadar Bazar. Accompanied by senior officials from various departments and prominent local trader associations, the visit focused on resolving long-standing civic issues that hinder Chandni Chowk’s functionality and aesthetic value.
Inspection Highlights Encroachments and Infrastructure Woes
As the MP moved through key markets including Dewan Hall Road, Cycle Market, Bhagirath Palace, Nai Sadak near Sheeshganj Gurdwara, Fatehpuri Masjid Chowk, Khari Baoli, Qutub Road, and Bara Tooti Chowk, he observed numerous encroachments obstructing pedestrian movement. He expressed concern over pavements being occupied by hawkers and even a few shopkeepers who had installed permanent sheds, coolers, and air conditionersespecially in the Fatehpuri and Sheeshganj zones eaving no space for pedestrians.
Mr. Khandelwal urged police and municipal authorities to take urgent action to remove illegal occupations on Qutub Road’s railway bridge and inside the Sadar Bazar area. He stressed that the core issue stems from poor coordination among the various civic agencies operating in the region.
Call for Unified Administration and Renaming Proposal
Highlighting the chaotic management of Chandni Chowk, Mr. Khandelwal criticized the overlapping jurisdiction of multiple departments that fail to work in tandem. To mark a symbolic and functional new beginning, he suggested renaming the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation to the Indraprastha Redevelopment Authority, a title that reflects Delhi’s ancient heritage and modern aspirations.
Joint Visit by Officials and Local Leaders
The inspection saw active participation from senior representatives of the DC City SP Zone, DCP North, Delhi Jal Board, PWD, DUSIB, BSES, and Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation. Also present were BJP leaders like Shri Arvind Garg, Shri Jai Prakash, Shri Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Shri Suman Kumar Gupta, and Shri Satish Jain, along with traders’ associations such as the Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association, Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, and Kirana Committee Khari Baoli.
Key Directives and Immediate Measures
Several important decisions were taken during the inspection. Khandelwal instructed the immediate clearing of unauthorized encroachments from roads and sidewalks. Civic agencies were told to expedite repair and resurfacing of damaged roads and footpaths. A daily cleaning and sanitation routine was mandated for public spaces. The PWD was tasked with removing obstructions from the central verge of Chandni Chowk’s main stretch, while unauthorized e-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws would be restricted from key traffic routes. Plans were also made to revamp Bara Tooti Chowk and Sadar Bazar, focusing on modern civic facilities.
In a significant cultural gesture, Khandelwal announced the installation of a statue of Shaheed Raja Nahar Singh on H.C. Sen Road. Additionally, power distribution company BSES was directed to remove overhead cable clutter from the area, particularly redundant telecom and internet wiring.
Long-term Planning and Trader Involvement
The MP announced an upcoming high-level meeting with Delhi Traffic Police to develop a sustainable traffic and redevelopment plan for the area. He also revealed that meetings with trader bodies from the constituency would soon be held to encourage active participation in maintaining cleanliness, resolving commercial concerns, and improving urban management.
A Vision for Heritage-Driven Growth
Speaking at the end of the inspection, Khandelwal emphasized that the initiative was not just about beautification. “A functional and well-maintained Chandni Chowk is vital not only for trade and tourism but also for preserving the dignity of our shared heritage. I will continue to lead this mission personally, ensuring consistent and visible progress,” he said.
