CRISIS ON CHANDNI CHOWK'S REVAMPED STRETCH

NCE projected as a flagship urban renewal initiative that would marry heritage with modernity, the 1.3-km redeveloped stretch of Chandni Chowk—from Lal Jain Mandir to Fatehpuri—now stands as a troubling contradiction.

- IFRAH MUFTI & SHEKHAR SINGH @ New Delhi

NCE projected as a flagship urban renewal initiative that would marry heritage with modernity, the 1.3-km redeveloped stretch of Chandni Chowk—from Lal Jain Mandir to Fatehpuri—now stands as a troubling contradiction. Nearly four years after its grand inauguration in 2021, the iconic corridor paints a picture of neglect and mismanagement.

What was once envisioned as a pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically revitalised public space is today a patchwork of issues: homeless individuals, beggars and vagrants occupying the area; rising reports of thefts and drug-related activities; and growing concerns among traders and residents over safety and dwindling footfall.

"The entire project is jeopardised," says Sanjay Bhargava, president of the Chandni Chowk Traders Welfare Association. "It's complete jungle raaj—vehicles move freely during prohibited hours, footpaths are completely encroached and the PWD is not acting even when encroachments have been officially declared." Despite repeated inspections and directives, the stretch continues to be described as a "site of negligence."