CM takes charge of SRDC to lead Old Delhi’s redevelopment

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken direct charge of Old Delhi’s long-delayed redevelopment, becoming Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). This move underscores a renewed commitment to merging heritage conservation with modern civic infrastructure in the historic walled city. Her appointment was ordered from Lok Niwas.

Announcing the move, the Chief Minister stated that Old Delhi’s comprehensive rejuvenation is the Government’s top priority. The initiative focuses on preserving its architectural and cultural heritage, improving residents’ quality of life, and developing Shahjahanabad as a major tourism hub without compromising its historical character.

Taking stock of the challenges facing the area, the Chief Minister said Old Delhi is not just a residential neighbourhood but a living archive of Delhi’s history, where every lane reflects centuries of cultural heritage. She outlined a series of interventions aimed at restoring its charm and functionality. One of the key steps will be the undergrounding of overhead electrical wires in narrow lanes to improve safety and enhance the visual appeal of the area. To tackle chronic congestion in busy commercial pockets, a comprehensive traffic management plan will be prepared, alongside the development of multi-level parking facilities to ease pressure on roads.

The Chief Minister said the Government would ensure that redevelopment efforts strike a balance between conservation and modernisation. Historic havelis, katras, and koochas will be preserved and upgraded, rather than replaced, she said. She added that several projects previously planned by the SRDC would be reviewed afresh to align them with the broader vision of making Old Delhi a world-class heritage destination.

Among the projects slated for review are the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, improvement works in the Jama Masjid area, the revamp of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and the beautification of the road stretch from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate. Officials said these projects, some of which have seen partial implementation in the past, will now be reassessed to ensure better coordination, timely execution, and stronger heritage sensitivity.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged that Old Delhi has lagged behind in basic civic amenities for years. She said the Government would prioritise uninterrupted road construction, repair of inner lanes, and the overhaul of the ageing sewerage system.

A clear blueprint will also be prepared to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted drinking water supply in the densely populated area. Cleanliness and sanitation, long-standing concerns for residents and traders, will be treated as key focus areas under the renewed redevelopment plan.

The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation was constituted on May 1, 2008, as a special-purpose vehicle to coordinate redevelopment works in Old Delhi. Its mandate includes facilitating coordination among multiple agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Public Works Department and the Tourism Department, and overseeing conservation of heritage buildings, streets and public spaces within the Walled City.

Over the past few years, the SRDC had remained relatively inactive, leading to slow progress on several proposed projects. Officials said the reorganisation of the corporation under the direct chairmanship of the Chief Minister is expected to address coordination gaps and accelerate decision-making.

With the Chief Minister now at the helm of the SRDC, the Government hopes to give Old Delhi a renewed identity: one that preserves its historic soul while equipping it with modern infrastructure, improved mobility, and enhanced civic services, and positions it as a key attraction for both residents and tourists.