CP and Khan market may soon become 'No vehicle zones'

Areas like Connaught Place and Khan Market may soon become 'No Vehicle Zones' and get a 'smart' makeover. Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu reviewed the progress of implementation of the smart city plan of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Wednesday.

He has given a set of directions for making a radical difference to the look and feel of these places so that NDMC area could act as a light house to other smart cities in the making. However, he expects a visible impact by June next year.

In order to curb air pollution and traffic congestion, Naidu has asked NDMC to convert Connaught Place and Khan Market as 'No vehicle' zones through necessary planning for traffic management, parking and last mile connectivity. "Electric vehicles must be run in these areas having a heavy footfall for the benefit of children, elderly and disabled. "The road at present is not well-kept. The two civic bodies must make necessary interventions to make this section a smart road with features like pathways and landscaping all along the road for giving it a world-class look," he said.

The smart city plan is approved with an estimated investment of Rs1,900 crore.Naidu also stressed on the need for quality pedestrian pathways.