New Delhi – Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday assumed direct charge of the Old Delhi redevelopment initiative after being appointed chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation. This strategic appointment signals renewed governmental focus on the conservation and planned rejuvenation of Delhi’s historic walled city. The Old Delhi redevelopment project aims to balance heritage preservation with modern civic infrastructure requirements while transforming the area into a premier tourism destination.
Orders appointing Gupta as SRDC chairperson were issued from Lok Niwas on Tuesday, marking a significant administrative shift in how the Old Delhi redevelopment will be managed. Following the decision, the chief minister emphasized that the government would prioritize comprehensive redevelopment while ensuring protection of the area’s architectural and cultural heritage. This direct involvement by the state’s top executive demonstrates the administration’s commitment to accelerating long-pending transformation projects.
Heritage Conservation as Central Priority
The chief minister articulated a vision for the Old Delhi redevelopment that places heritage conservation at its core. “Reviving the historical and cultural glory of Old Delhi, the Walled City, is a key commitment of our government. Shahjahanabad is not merely a locality but a living symbol of Delhi’s rich history and cultural legacy,” Gupta stated. The Old Delhi redevelopment strategy recognizes that the area represents centuries of architectural evolution and cultural significance that must be preserved for future generations.
Officials confirmed that the Old Delhi redevelopment approach would ensure upgradation does not compromise the area’s historic character. The government plans to conserve historic havelis, katras, and koochas while simultaneously upgrading these structures with modern amenities. This balanced approach to the Old Delhi redevelopment acknowledges that preservation and progress need not be mutually exclusive objectives.
Major Projects Under Review
Several significant projects previously prepared by the SRDC will now be reviewed afresh under the new leadership. The Old Delhi redevelopment initiatives under review include the comprehensive redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, transformation of the Jama Masjid area, improvements to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and beautification of the road stretch from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate. These projects represent critical components of the broader Old Delhi redevelopment vision.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced an allocation of ₹100 crore specifically to transform Chandni Chowk into Delhi’s first model marketplace. This substantial financial commitment to the Old Delhi redevelopment demonstrates the government’s determination to deliver tangible improvements to one of the capital’s most iconic commercial areas.
Infrastructure and Traffic Management Solutions
A comprehensive traffic management plan forms a crucial element of the Old Delhi redevelopment strategy. The chief minister acknowledged that congestion in busy markets requires systematic addressing through coordinated planning. The Old Delhi redevelopment blueprint includes creation of multi-level parking facilities to ease pressure on road space in the densely populated area.
Officials involved in the Old Delhi redevelopment planning noted that overhead electrical wires crisscrossing narrow lanes would be relocated underground. This infrastructure upgrade aims to improve safety while enhancing the visual appeal of historic neighborhoods. The removal of overhead wiring represents a significant aesthetic improvement for the Old Delhi redevelopment that will reveal architectural details previously obscured by utility infrastructure.
Civic Amenities and Basic Services Enhancement
The Old Delhi redevelopment agenda specifically addresses long-standing deficiencies in basic civic amenities. Officials flagged critical gaps including road construction needs, repair of internal lanes, sewerage system overhaul, ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply, and improvements to cleanliness and sanitation services. The chief minister acknowledged that “Old Delhi has remained deprived of the desired level of development and basic civic amenities in recent years.”
These foundational improvements represent essential prerequisites for the Old Delhi redevelopment success. Without addressing basic infrastructure deficiencies, heritage conservation and tourism development objectives cannot be fully realized. The comprehensive approach to the Old Delhi redevelopment recognizes that residents deserve modern civic services alongside preservation of historic character.
Institutional Framework and Coordination
The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation was originally constituted on May 1, 2008, to coordinate redevelopment and conservation efforts among multiple agencies. The Old Delhi redevelopment requires seamless collaboration between the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Public Works Department, Tourism Department, and other relevant authorities. The appointment of the chief minister as SRDC chairperson aims to fast-track long-pending projects and improve coordination among civic and infrastructure agencies.
This institutional restructuring for the Old Delhi redevelopment addresses a fundamental challenge that has hampered progress: the complexity of coordinating multiple government departments and agencies operating in overlapping jurisdictions. Direct chief ministerial oversight provides the authority necessary to resolve inter-agency disputes and ensure unified implementation of the Old Delhi redevelopment vision.
Tourism Development Objectives
The chief minister emphasized that the Old Delhi development would transform the area into an attractive tourism hub. By combining heritage conservation with civic infrastructure upgrades, the government aims to create an environment where domestic and international tourists can experience Delhi’s rich history comfortably. The Old Delhi development tourism strategy recognizes that world-class visitor experiences require both authentic heritage preservation and modern amenities supporting tourism activities.
