The Delhi Government has renamed the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation as the Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN) and announced an ambitious roadmap to restore the heritage character of Old Delhi while upgrading civic infrastructure across the historic precinct.
The decision was taken at the Annual General Meeting of the newly renamed corporation, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, where a series of measures were approved for the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Town Hall and other key heritage areas.
Calling Old Delhi an invaluable cultural legacy, Gupta said the government's focus is to preserve its historical identity while providing modern civic amenities. "Heritage conservation and modern development must go hand in hand so that residents, traders and tourists all benefit," she said.
Among the key decisions, the government accorded top priority to the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, directing officials to ensure that its design reflects the area's historical and architectural character. The Chief Minister also asked officials to develop modern public toilet blocks, strengthen civic amenities and improve facilities for the lakhs of people who visit the market every day.
The government also plans to redevelop the historic Town Hall, including the creation of a major new entry and exit from the Chandni Chowk side to enhance its appeal as a heritage and tourism destination.
To ensure authenticity, historians, heritage experts and conservation specialists will be associated with the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk and adjoining heritage areas. The government said the interests of local traders and shopkeepers would also be safeguarded while carrying out the restoration work.
As part of the broader plan, the Chief Minister directed officials to establish a dedicated tourist control room in Chandni Chowk, expand organised parking facilities and prepare comprehensive redevelopment plans for the Hanuman Temple at Yamuna Bazaar, the area behind it, the Jama Masjid precinct and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg in front of the Old Delhi Railway Station.
The redevelopment strategy will also focus on scientific solid waste management, traffic improvement, tourism infrastructure, environmental sustainability and conservation of heritage buildings under an integrated urban development model.
According to officials, Old Delhi spans around 7.12 square kilometres and is home to more than 700 locally protected heritage sites, besides one World Heritage Site, 10 nationally protected monuments and 10 state-protected monuments. The area attracts lakhs of visitors every day for trade, shopping, pilgrimage and tourism, making its planned redevelopment crucial for both heritage preservation and economic growth.