Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s premier business hub, is on the brink of a significant transformation. The much-awaited Gandhi Maidan multilevel parking is set to open by the end of this year or early next year, ending a 16-year-long wait. This development is expected to increase business activities by up to 50%.
Key Takeaways
- Boost in Business and Consumer Footfall: The opening of the parking facility is anticipated to dramatically increase the number of customers in this Mughal-era market. Traders are excited about the prospect of attracting not only local shoppers but also elite families from NCR regions like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, who previously avoided the market due to parking issues and congestion.
- Return of Elite Shoppers: The lack of parking and resultant traffic jams had diverted elite Delhi families to other shopping areas like Hauz Khas and Shahpur Jat for wedding and other purchases. The new parking facility is expected to bring them back to Chandni Chowk.
- Easing Traffic Congestion: With the capability to accommodate around 2400 vehicles at a time and serving 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles daily, the parking facility is poised to significantly reduce illegal parking and ease traffic jams around Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.
- Long-Awaited Development: The demand for multilevel parking in Chandni Chowk dates back to 2007. Despite initial approval by the then Lieutenant Governor, Tejinder Khanna, the project faced delays and only gained momentum following court intervention in 2019.
- Enhanced Safety and Convenience for Traders: The local traders, who have been facing difficulties due to inadequate parking, are expected to benefit greatly. This development will also improve safety, as traders have been relying on metro trains for commuting, which posed risks, especially with them carrying business earnings.
- Expected Impact Comparable to Metro Service: Local traders are comparing the expected boost in business due to the new parking facility to the surge experienced after the introduction of metro services in the area.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model: The parking facility, developed under the PPP model, will follow the existing parking fee structure set by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
- Trial Phase and Security Measures: The trial phase has already begun, with around 500 vehicles being accommodated and safety protocols being tested.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Gandhi Maidan multilevel parking in Chandni Chowk marks a new era for one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. This development is not just a solution to the long-standing parking and traffic issues but a catalyst for economic growth, safety, and convenience, re-establishing Chandni Chowk as a prime destination for shoppers and traders alike.
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