Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to Regain its Lost Glory: MP Praveen Khandelwal Leads Major Revamp Plans

New Delhi: In a significant move to restore the cultural and commercial prominence of Delhi’s historic Chandni Chowk area, Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal has launched a comprehensive redevelopment initiative. A detailed on-ground inspection was carried out recently under his leadership, signaling a strong intent to transform Chandni Chowk into a modern hub of trade, tourism, and heritage.

Inspection with Top Officials

MP Khandelwal began the inspection from the iconic Gauri Shankar Temple, near the Red Fort. Accompanying him were senior officials from multiple key departments including the Deputy Commissioner (City), Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Jal Board, BSES, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), and the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation. Their presence highlights the collaborative and multi-departmental nature of this ambitious project.

The primary goal of this inspection was to analyze existing issues, particularly encroachments, and plan actionable steps to revitalize Chandni Chowk as a vibrant commercial and cultural nucleus of India.

Crackdown on Encroachments

During the walk-through, MP Khandelwal strongly instructed authorities to immediately address rampant encroachments on footpaths. He pointed out that unauthorized structures such as sheds, coolers, and stalls are creating serious obstructions for pedestrians and must be removed without delay.

Particular attention was given to key choke points like Fatehpuri Masjid Chowk, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Qutub Road Railway Bridge, and Sadar Bazar. He emphasized that pedestrian safety and smooth mobility should be top priorities.

Revamp Vision: Commerce + Heritage + Public Comfort

MP Khandelwal stressed that the vision for Chandni Chowk should go far beyond cosmetic beautification. Instead, it should be redeveloped as an integrated model that combines organized commerce, robust public amenities, and heritage preservation.

He proposed renaming the “Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation” to the “Indraprastha Redevelopment Authority” to reflect a more inclusive identity blending historical significance with future growth. According to Khandelwal, the new name would better capture the spirit of inclusive development rooted in Delhi’s legacy.

The MP further added that Chandni Chowk should be developed with a citizen-centric approach, offering modern facilities while preserving its traditional character.

Traffic and Cleanliness: Immediate Focus Areas

A key concern raised during the inspection was the poor state of traffic management in the area. MP Khandelwal assured that he will soon hold a detailed meeting with traffic police officials to address congestion and streamline vehicular movement. Unauthorized e-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws plying through Chandni Chowk’s main roads will be systematically removed to ensure smoother traffic flow.

Cleanliness was another major issue flagged during the visit. Khandelwal directed municipal officials to enforce strict cleanliness drives, especially in market areas and public spaces. Daily sanitation must be ensured to maintain hygiene and create a welcoming environment for both shoppers and tourists.

Key Directives Issued During the Visit:

• Immediate removal of encroachments from roads, footpaths, and central medians.
• Comprehensive repair and reconstruction of damaged roads and footpaths.
• Ensure daily sanitation of all public areas and marketplaces.
• Remove unauthorized e-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws from Chandni Chowk’s main thoroughfares.
• Redevelop Bada Tooti Chowk and Sadar Bazar with modern public amenities.
• Install a statue of Shaheed Raja Nahar Singh on H.C. Sen Road.
• Direct BSES to remove overhead clutter of unnecessary cables and wires, including those from telecom providers like Airtel and Jio.

A Cleaner, Smarter Chandni Chowk in the Making

The inspection signals a new chapter for Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest and most iconic neighborhoods. By tackling deep-rooted problems like traffic chaos, encroachment, and poor sanitation, and replacing them with a planned and people-centric development model, MP Praveen Khandelwal aims to make Chandni Chowk a global showcase of India’s blend of tradition and modernity.

A cleaner, more organized, and culturally vibrant Chandni Chowk will not only uplift the lives of its residents and traders but also attract more tourists and revive its legacy as a historical jewel in the heart of the capital.