Connaught Place to go vehicle-free

It is reported that the middle and inner circle roads of Delhi’s Connaught Place will be made vehicle-free for three months, as part of a pilot smart city project starting from February. Traffic will be barred on these roads as part of “pedestrianisation” of the area. Union Minister for Urban Development, Venkaiah Naidu is also considering feasibility of “developing water bodies, side walk cafes, public plazas, holding light and sound shows and street festivals in the place. The ban on vehicles is meant to offer a congestion free, accident free and crime free experience to those visiting the area.

Effective ‘park and ride’ services will be provided from major parking areas at Shivaji Stadium, Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Palika parking. Total parking capacity at these three locations is 3,172 and on an average only 1,088 vehicles are being parked. This unutilized capacity could be fully used by promoting ‘park and ride’ concept. Cycle hiring, battery operated vehicles etc., would be deployed effectively for the benefit of those parking vehicles at specified slots to reach the business district and also for the benefit of those using public transport besides senior citizens, women, children etc to move in the business district.