Decks cleared to take Chandni Chowk back to Mughal age
7 Jun 2013 6:26 AM IST
Decks have been cleared for the launch of Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan. Conceived in 2006, the plan, which is waiting seal of approval from the Lieutenant Governor, seeks to restore the grandeur of the Mughal and colonial past between Red Fort and Fatehpuri Masjid.
Giving its approval to the plan, the High Court a few days back had directed that in addition to the walking zone for pedestrians there should be a lane for the plying of the rickshaws too.
‘To avoid multiplicity of agencies taking overlapping decisions on the issue, the court directed a meeting of the Special Task Force and the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (UTTIPEC) to be jointly convened by the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) within four weeks to consider the issue of providing rickshaw lanes,’ a PWD official said.
The PWD had initially suggested a walking zone from Red Fort to Fatehpuri. To remove unauthorised parking by shopkeepers on both side of the roads, 2.5 meters grill will be put up along the footpath to make it into an exclusive walking zone for pedestrians.
According to the present plan, the design of street lights and pavements will be inspired by the Mughal era. According to PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, ‘The heritage look of the area will be extended to the Old Delhi Railway Station too.’ He said the BSES and MTNL have already submitted their estimates for making the cables underground. To bring in Mughal influence, the Lakhori brick pattern, same as used in Red Fort, will be used to build strips for installing street furniture.
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