Chandni Chowk Set for a Modern Revamp: Traders Demand Action, Govt Promises ₹100 Crore Makeover

New Delhi| Old Delhi’s historic Chandni Chowk market is poised for a major transformation as the Delhi government lays out a fresh roadmap to modernize and rejuvenate the iconic shopping district. On Friday, Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma held a crucial meeting with local traders and business representatives to discuss urgent restoration measures and the long-term vision to develop Chandni Chowk into a “model modern marketplace.”

A significant part of the proposal involves reviving the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) — a dedicated urban renewal agency — with a fresh board and an initial funding of ₹100 crore, in line with the BJP government’s manifesto commitments.

“We’ve taken note of the traders’ concerns and will immediately begin repair and maintenance work. Simultaneously, we’re working on a broader redevelopment plan to upgrade the market’s infrastructure,” a senior PWD official said.

Traders Voice Concerns Over Deteriorating Infrastructure

The Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association submitted a detailed memorandum to the PWD Minister on June 19, highlighting a sharp decline in infrastructure quality along the 1.3-km redeveloped stretch, inaugurated in 2021 with a budget of ₹140 crore.

Despite an initial increase in footfall, the market is now plagued by damaged bollards, faded road markings, broken street furniture, defunct grills, and poor horticultural maintenance.

“We welcomed the redevelopment project, but without professional maintenance, the condition has rapidly deteriorated. It’s disappointing,” said Sanjay Bhargava, president of the traders’ body.

Trackless Trams Back on the Table

A key highlight of the traders’ proposal is the revival of the trackless tram system, first envisioned in a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 2013–14.

The traders believe that reintroducing a modern tram — inspired by the original system that operated in Chandni Chowk until the early 1960s — would significantly reduce congestion and attract tourists, making the area more pedestrian-friendly.

“We don’t want just aesthetic changes. We need smart mobility solutions — trackless trams can transform Chandni Chowk into a world-class heritage and retail zone,” Bhargava said.

Call for Integrated Redevelopment and Governance Reform

The association also pressed for a Phase 2 façade improvement project, which, though previously approved, never materialized. Traders are urging the government to adopt a comprehensive redevelopment approach that includes adjoining roads like HC Sen Marg and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg.

Another critical demand is the accelerated development of the Dangal Maidan Parking project, aimed at easing the area’s chronic parking crisis.

In a broader governance reform proposal, traders recommended transforming the SRDC into a statutory authority, similar in structure and autonomy to the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). They even proposed renaming it the “Indraprastha Redevelopment and Management Authority”, to reflect the region’s historic roots.

Sanitation, Encroachment, and Safety Also Under Scrutiny

The traders’ memorandum painted a grim picture of civic maintenance, with concerns over inadequate cleaning, poorly maintained public toilets, broken benches, and overflowing dustbins. They called for sanitation duties to be handed over to either Delhi Tourism or a professional private agency, citing inefficiencies under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

In response, PWD officials assured strict enforcement against illegal hawkers and encroachments, underground cabling to prevent fire hazards, and an end to the defacement of heritage structures by unregulated unipoles and banners.

The Road Ahead

The Delhi government’s renewed attention to Chandni Chowk offers hope for a market that, while rich in history, has long suffered from urban neglect. With ₹100 crore earmarked, stakeholder engagement underway, and institutional reform being considered, Chandni Chowk may soon emerge as a seamless blend of heritage and modernity — if promises translate into action.