New Delhi | March 13, 2026 — The 38th Board Meeting of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) was held under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to review development work in Old Delhi and examine the corporation’s functioning.
During the meeting, a detailed assessment was conducted of projects carried out during the tenure of the previous government. The discussion focused on the planning, implementation, and effectiveness of development initiatives in the historic Shahjahanabad area.
Delhi’s Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, along with senior officials from concerned departments, participated in the meeting.
Concerns Over Planning in Previous Projects
After the meeting, Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood stated that the review revealed several unexpected findings.
He said that projects launched by the previous government lacked a structured planning approach and appeared to have been undertaken largely for optics rather than long-term development.
Sood noted that Old Delhi, historically known as the “Walled City” and home to Delhi’s original population, did not receive the level of attention required for its development and preservation.
Comprehensive Development Plan for Old Delhi
The minister said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the board is committed to protecting Delhi’s cultural heritage and the historic residential areas of Old Delhi.
He explained that the government intends to develop a comprehensive redevelopment strategy that takes into account the region’s historical heritage, environmental conditions, geographical characteristics, and demographic structure.
According to Sood, the discussions during the meeting mark the beginning of this process, and a broader development plan addressing all aspects will soon be prepared.
Discussion on Renaming the Corporation
The meeting also included discussions about introducing new names for the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation.
Sood said that a few possible names were discussed during the meeting, but the final decision will be taken only after completing the formal procedures of the board.
Need for Institutional Review
The minister added that the functioning of the board during the previous government’s tenure had remained weak.
He said resources were wasted in the name of development while the implementation of projects remained limited.
According to records from previous board meetings, no major project has been clearly implemented by the corporation since 2021.
Sood said that in such circumstances it becomes necessary to conduct a serious review of the board’s structure and functioning so that redevelopment work in Old Delhi can be carried out effectively.
