CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A proposal to make Connaught Place (CP), one of Delhi’s most prominent business and tourist hubs, vehicle-free has triggered a fresh debate. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairperson Manoj Dwivedi has sought public suggestions on the idea of making the Inner Circle of Connaught Place vehicle-free. Traders, however, have opposed the proposal, expressing concern that it could affect business in the market.
For now, it is only a proposal and not a decision. NDMC Chairperson Manoj Dwivedi, through a social media post, asked whether the Inner Circle of Connaught Place could be made vehicle-free so that people could walk around comfortably without traffic. He also asked whether the arrangement should be implemented throughout the day or for fixed hours. Under the suggested timing options, the Inner Circle could be kept vehicle-free from 6 pm to 12 midnight in summer and from 11 am to 4 pm in winter. Public opinion has also been sought on fixing separate timings for weekends.
What will happen if vehicles are removed? NDMC has also asked what kinds of activities should be organised in Central Park and the Inner Circle during vehicle-free hours. Options such as walking, cycling, fitness activities and cultural programmes may be considered. Connaught Place has earlier also opened the Inner Circle for pedestrians on selected Sundays under “Raahgiri@CP”.
Why have traders opposed the proposal? The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has objected to the plan. Traders say they were not formally informed about the proposal earlier by any government agency and came to know about it through social media. They claim that a vehicle-free system could affect business in Connaught Place. According to traders, the “Park & Shop” model is important in Connaught Place. Customers arrive in their vehicles, park and shop at nearby stores. They argue that if vehicular movement is stopped in the Inner Circle, some customers may shift to other markets or malls.
Traders said the real problem is encroachment. The NDTA says Connaught Place already has sufficient space for pedestrians. According to traders, the problem is less about vehicular movement and more about encroachment, illegal hawkers and wrong parking. They have suggested that NDMC should first act on these issues and improve the parking system. Traders have also expressed concern that amid Delhi’s heat, humidity and pollution, customers may not prefer to park far away and walk long distances. Therefore, according to them, detailed discussions with traders and other stakeholders are necessary before implementing any vehicle-free plan.
NDMC says the objective of the proposal is to make Connaught Place more pedestrian-friendly and convenient for public activities. Suggestions are still being sought from the public, so it cannot be treated as a final decision. In the coming days, the suggestions received by NDMC and discussions with traders may determine changes to the plan or further action.
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