Traders oppose vehicle-free Connaught Place

The 'heart of Delhi' — Connaught Place — remained shut for five hours following the protest by traders' association, who are opposing the newly proposed parking plan by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in order to make Inner Circle a

'car-free zone' and 'pedestrian friendly'.

However, apparently there was no significant effect on normal course of proceedings due to the shutdown which remained effective between 11 am to 3 pm as some shops and restaurants remained open with people thronging them.

The Central government on January 5 had decided to make Inner Circles and Outer Circles of Connaught Place in Central Delhi traffic free for three months from February 1. The decision was taken under the plan to develop NDMC area as a smart city.

This has not gone down well with the traders' association which is protesting against the plan, saying that their business would suffer if vehicles were banned from the area.

Apart from shutting down their businesses for a few hours, the traders carried out rallies along the Inner Circle, carrying placards asking the NDMC to "be logical". Boards were also put up for people to leave messages in support of the New Delhi Traders' Association's campaign.

Atul Bhargava, president of the NDTA, said:

"There will be a complete shutdown if the NDMC implements the plan until the draconian measure is revoked. It is detrimental to business." The traders said that Connaught Place was already the most pedestrian-friendly commercial centre in Delhi and perhaps India. With 15 feet of covered corridor and 20 feet of walking space, pedestrian movement in Connaught Place was not being hindered by traffic, said the traders in a statement.

If implemented, the NDMC's plan will do away with parking lots in the Inner Circle and along the middle lanes, where currently thousands of vehicles are parked every day. As per the proposal, visitors would have to park their vehicles at one of the three multi-level facilities in the area and then walk or take an electric vehicle till Connaught Place.

Rippon Nath, owner of Nath Brothers chemist shop, added that without vehicles, many patients would find it difficult to reach. "We have many elderly customers as well as cancer patients who come to us for their medications. Are they expected to park at Shivaji Stadium and walk," asked Nath.

Traders also questioned the NDMC's plan over potential safety hazards.

Priyank Sukhija, owner of several restaurants in the city, including WarehouseCafe and Open House Cafe in Connaught Place, said the safety of diners leaving at night was a major concern.

"Will the NDMC guarantee the safety of diners? Connaught Place will be deserted if this plan is implemented. This is a case of one man's ambition versus nearly 100 years of heritage," said Sukhija, referring to Venkaiah Naidu.