New Delhi, June 9,: In a bold and determined move to restore the historic grandeur of Chandni Chowk and reaffirm its status as India’s largest trading centre, Member of Parliament Mr. Praveen Khandelwal undertook an extensive ground inspection across key locations in the constituency.
Starting from the Gauri Shankar Mandir near Red Fort and walking through Dewan Hall Road, Cycle Market, Bhagirath Palace, Opp. Sheesh Gurdwara Nai Sadak, Fatehpuri Masjid Chowk, Khari Baoli, Qutub Road, Sadar Bazar Bara Tooti Chowk, Mr Khandelwal closely showed the perennial encroachments points, apart from need for improvement in civic ammenities and infrastructure concerns.
A major focus of the inspection was the widespread pavement and road encroachments by shopkeepers, particularly near Fatehpuri Masjid Chowk & Opp. Sheeshganj Gurdwara, where sidewalks have been covered with sheds and fitted with air conditioners and coolers, making pedestrian movement nearly impossible.
Similarly he called upon both police & civic officials to ensure control on encroachments on Qutub Road railway bridge and in Sadar Bazar.
Speaking firmly during the visit, Mr. Khandelwal said:
“Chandni Chowk today suffers from chaos due to the presence of multiple agencies with zero coordination. This lack of communication has turned one of India’s most iconic commercial zones into a state of neglect. There is an urgent need to bring synergy and purpose.”
To symbolize a fresh start, Mr. Khandelwal proposed renaming the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation to the Indraprastha Redevelopment Authority, aligning the area’s identity with its timeless heritage and forward-looking vision.
The inspection was accompanied by senior officials from multiple departments including the DC City SP Zone, DCP North, Delhi Jal Board, PWD, DUSIB, BSES, and the Shahajanabad Redevelopment Authority. On-the-spot instructions were issued to address deficiencies and expedite improvement works.
Local BJP leaders Shri Arvind Garg, Shri Jai Prakash, Shri Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Shri Suman Kumar Gupta, Shri Satish Jain alongwith officebearers of cloth merchants body Delhi Hindustani Merchantile Association, Chandni Chowk Sarv Vypar Mandal, Kirana Committee Khari Baoli, representatives of multiple trader bodies of Sadar Bazar.
Key outcomes and directives issued during the inspection:
1.Immediate removal of encroachments on roads and pavements.
2.Extensive repair and resurfacing of damaged roads and footpaths.
3. Daily cleaning and maintenance of public utilities and marketplaces.
4. PWD to clear the central verge of Chandni Chowk of all unauthorized obstructions.
5. Unauthorized e-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws to be removed especiallyin regulated Chandni Chowk main road.
6.Redevelopment of Bara Tooti Chowk and Sadar Bazar, with focus on modern civic facilities.
7 Installation of a statue of Shaheed Raja Nahar Singh at a prominent site in the area on H.C. Sen Road.
8. BSES instructed to remove overhead clutter, including unnecessary wires and cables from telecom and internet service providers like Airtel and Jio.
Additionally, Mr. Khandelwal announced that a comprehensive meeting with traffic police officials will be convened shortly to address the chronic traffic congestion and to finalize a long-term *transportation and redevelopment plan for Chandni Chowk.
A meeting of various trader associations from the area is also being organized to engage with government departments, discuss trade-related concerns, and seek collective cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and order.
Mr. Khandelwal added “this is not just about aesthetics. A clean, functional Chandni Chowk is important for commerce, tourism, and the dignity of our heritage. I am committed to leading from the front.”
