Delhi CM Reviews SRDC Functioning, Calls For Coordinated Push To Revitalise Old Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 20 (KNN) A high-level review meeting on the functioning of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) was held on Wednesday at the Delhi Secretariat, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. 

The discussion brought together Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal, Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, and senior officials from the MCD, PWD, Delhi Police, Delhi Jal Board, Fire Department, DUSIB, ASI, and various utility and service departments.

CM Gupta said the preservation, modernisation, and overall revitalisation of Old Delhi — including Chandni Chowk — remains a key priority for the government. 

Citing the area’s historical significance, dense population, and high daily footfall, she called for a more effective and coordinated approach by the SRDC. She added that the government would evaluate the proposals presented and take necessary decisions soon.

MP Khandelwal proposed renaming the corporation as either the Indraprastha Redevelopment Corporation or the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Corporation, and reiterated that the Chief Minister should serve as its Chairperson to ensure stronger inter-departmental coordination. 

He also recommended the creation of a dedicated coordination cell, structured traffic and parking management, multi-level parking facilities, regulated e-rickshaw operations, and clearly marked hawking and non-hawking zones.

For cultural and tourism development, he suggested establishing a heritage circuit, creating an annual cultural events calendar, and initiating efforts to seek UNESCO recognition. 

Urban Development Minister Sood underscored the need for improved coordination among all agencies and timely, outcome-oriented execution of projects.

The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the rapid rollout of the recommended measures, with the goal of ensuring a sustainable and visible transformation of Shahjahanabad in the coming years.

(KNN Bureau)