New Delhi
In a significant step towards revitalising the historic core of the national capital, Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). Formal orders in this regard have been issued from Lok Niwas. The Chief Minister stated that her government is fully committed to ensuring comprehensive redevelopment of Old Delhi while preserving its unique historical and cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Shahjahanabad is not merely a geographical area but the living soul of Delhi’s history and cultural legacy. Its centuries-old buildings, narrow lanes, bustling markets and iconic monuments define the city’s identity. The government aims to protect this heritage while transforming Old Delhi into a well-planned and vibrant tourism hub of national and international importance.
She stated that under SRDC’s supervision, overhead electricity and telecom wires crisscrossing the narrow lanes of Old Delhi will be systematically shifted underground. This will enhance public safety and significantly improve the visual appeal of the area. To address chronic traffic congestion in busy markets and arterial roads, a comprehensive traffic management plan will be implemented, along with the development of multi-level parking facilities.
Highlighting the sensitive nature of development in a densely populated historic residential zone, the Chief Minister said that all projects will be executed with utmost care to ensure that heritage structures are not compromised. Conservation of historic havelis, katras and kuchas will go hand in hand with the upgradation of civic infrastructure.
She further noted that SRDC had earlier conceptualised major redevelopment initiatives, including the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project, beautification of the Jama Masjid precinct, development of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and the stretch from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate. These projects will now be comprehensively reviewed and realigned with present-day requirements to position Old Delhi as a major heritage tourism destination.
Addressing long-standing civic challenges, the Chief Minister said that Old Delhi has suffered from inadequate infrastructure for years. The government will ensure seamless road development, modernisation of the sewerage network, uninterrupted drinking water supply, and focused cleanliness drives to make the area cleaner and dust-free.
The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation was established on May 1, 2008, as a special purpose vehicle to coordinate among multiple agencies such as MCD, PWD and the Tourism Department. With the Chief Minister assuming direct leadership, SRDC is expected to regain momentum and drive the holistic transformation of Old Delhi, blending heritage conservation with sustainable urban development.
