Sisodia lays foundation stone for Chandni Chowk redevelopment project.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk and said that tourism would get a boost once the project is complete.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sisodia, who also holds the tourism portfolio, assured traders that business would not be affected during execution of the project, which is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months.

“Today is a historic day for Chandni Chowk. We want to ensure that when tourists come here, they do not get stuck in traffic... Traders too want the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk. The project will increase number of tourists in the area,” Mr. Sisodia said.

He said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal — whose absence was interpreted as a result of protests by local traders, led by the BJP, against the project – could not attend the foundation stone laying ceremony due to illness.

Asserting that Chandni Chowk was not only a market but was attached with people’s traditions, the Deputy chief minister said, “When we hear about Delhi, the only one thing that comes in our mind is Chandni Chowk...When a student is not able to find a book, he or she knows that it will be available in Nai Sarak.”

The redevelopment project is expected to cost ₹65 crore. Only non-motorised vehicles will be allowed in Chandni Chowk during the day after work on the project is completed with exemptions only for vehicles being utilised by government agencies mandated to respond to emergencies.

Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain said the Delhi government will run an electric tram on the stretch and arrangements would be made at the Dangal Ground for parking of around 1,500 cars.

THE HINDU