Twitter
Advertisement

Connaught Place to be car-free from Feb-end

The initiative is part of the smart city project in the NDMC area and aims to decongest one of the most visited market places in the capital

Latest News
article-main
File photo of a traffic congestion at Connaught Place in New Delhi.
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The heart of Delhi, Connaught Place, may soon be a delight for pedestrians as the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), the civic agency responsible for Lutyens' Delhi, has decided to make the inner circle of Connaught Place (CP) non-motorised, beginning February-end with a three-month trial run.

The initiative is part of the smart city project in the NDMC area and aims to decongest one of the most visited market places in the capital.

Sources in the civic agency say that while the decision was taken at a meeting between the Ministry of Urban Development and other stakeholders like the Delhi Police, traders' associations, visitors and students.

"We are currently consulting various stakeholders and we plan to implement the scheme by the end of February or beginning of March. The project will initially be on a trial basis for three months, and the final decision will be taken thereafter," said an NDMC official.

Delhi government officials say that while the project is yet to be notified, the feasibility report has been sought. "The civic agency has been asked to chalk out an elaborate plan, keeping in mind the diversions, parkings, park and ride options, and also the convenience of daily visitors," said a transport department official.

Meanwhile, sources said that the British-era market place will now offer battery-operated modes of transport including golf carts, e-rickshaws and even cycle-on-rent to promote an environment-friendly mode of transport.

"We also plan to include park-and-ride from the surrounding parking areas at Shivaji Stadium, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Palika parking," said the source.

He added that while once the plan for the initiative is completed, the agencies will then seek a notification for the scheme to ensure higher penalty on those found violating rules.

"Once notified, the violation for entering the British-era market place will attract over Rs 2,000, something similar to that during the odd-even scheme. Also, the notification will make compliance mandatory, unlike the car free-day, which was voluntary," said a transport department official.

The council has also proposed to give a face-lift to the middle circle of the Connaught Place, to lend the whole market area a uniform, revamped look.

The Connaught Place Redevelopment project was conceived in 2004 and was scheduled for completion ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October 2010.

NDMC, which is vying for the Smart City project rolled out by the Urban Development Ministry, has also sought suggestions from the public about possible upgradation and development in its areas, as well as finalising the revenue model for it.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement