Inauguration of revamped Chandni Chowk postponed

The much-awaited opening of revamped Chandni Chowk Road has been postponed. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was scheduled to inaugurate the redeveloped 1.3 km stretch from Red Fort Crossing to Fatehpuri mosque on April 17.

According to senior government officials, the notice issued by office of the Minister of Public Work Department regarding cancelling the programme cited no reason. However, the decision was taken in view of the rising Covid-19 cases in the national capital. The report citing a circular, issued on April 9, by the PWD minister’s office, stated that there is a lack of clarity on whether the inauguration would be held at a later date. This is to be noted that the renovation and beautification work of the iconic Chandni Chowk road has already been completed. Besides various new facilities for tourists coming from across the world to visit the bustling historic market, the revamped 1.3 km stretch — from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque — will be a non-motorised zone from 9 am to 9 pm. The beautification project has been completed and the Delhi government said that it has left no stone unturned to enhance the beauty of the historical site.

For non-motorised vehicles, 5 to 10 meters wide pavement has been built on either side of the road and there is also a 2.5-meter footpath on either side of the road, whereas, the electric vehicles will also be operated for the convenience of the senior citizens. The redevelopment work that started in December 2018 was targeted to be completed by November 2020 but got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chandni Chowk is known to be one of the oldest and major markets not only in Delhi but also in the country.