New Delhi: The redevelopment of Old Delhi is poised to gain renewed momentum following the appointment of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). Orders in this regard have been issued from Lok Niwas, underscoring the government’s renewed emphasis on integrated development and heritage preservation in the historic Walled City.
The Chief Minister said her government would give top priority to the comprehensive redevelopment of Old Delhi while protecting its rich historical and cultural heritage. Through the SRDC, efforts will be made to transform the area into a vibrant tourism hub by harmonising modern civic infrastructure with heritage conservation.
After taking charge, Gupta said restoring the historical and cultural grandeur of Shahjahanabad remains a central commitment of her government. Describing Shahjahanabad as more than just a neighbourhood, she said it stands as a living testament to Delhi’s enduring cultural legacy. As part of the redevelopment initiatives, overhead electricity cables in Old Delhi’s narrow lanes will be shifted underground to enhance safety and improve the area’s visual aesthetics.
To tackle chronic traffic congestion in crowded markets, the government plans to introduce a comprehensive traffic management strategy, including the development of multi-level parking facilities. Emphasising the residential character of Old Delhi, Gupta said every street reflects centuries of history and assured that development would proceed in a balanced manner to preserve its heritage.
She further said that while historic havelis, katras and koochas would be conserved, supporting infrastructure would also be upgraded. Gupta noted that the SRDC had earlier formulated several redevelopment proposals, including projects covering Chandni Chowk, the Jama Masjid precinct, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg and the beautification of the corridor from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate. These initiatives will now be reassessed to position Old Delhi as a prominent tourism destination. Highlighting longstanding civic deficiencies, the Chief Minister said Old Delhi has suffered from inadequate development and basic amenities for years. The government will focus on uninterrupted road construction, repair of internal lanes, upgrading the deteriorating sewerage network and ensuring a consistent supply of drinking water. Cleanliness and sanitation will also be among the administration’s key priorities.
The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation was established on May 1, 2008, by the Delhi government as a Special Purpose Vehicle to coordinate development efforts among various agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Public Works Department and the Tourism Department. The corporation also plays an important role in conserving heritage structures, lanes and cultural assets within the Walled City.
While the SRDC has seen limited activity in recent years, its reorganisation under the leadership of the Chief Minister is expected to inject fresh direction and accelerate the long-pending redevelopment of Old Delhi.
