CM Rekha Gupta Takes Charge of Old Delhi Revamp as Head of Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation

New Delhi, Feb 3: Old Delhi’s long-awaited transformation is set to gain fresh momentum after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was appointed Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). An official order confirming the appointment has been issued from the Chief Minister’s office.

Emphasizing her government’s priorities, Gupta said the comprehensive redevelopment of Old Delhi, along with the preservation of its rich heritage, would be pursued on a priority basis. Through the SRDC, the historic walled city will be developed into a major tourist destination while safeguarding its cultural identity.

After assuming charge, the Chief Minister reaffirmed her government’s commitment to reviving the historical and cultural grandeur of Shahjahanabad. She described Old Delhi not merely as a locality but as a living symbol of the capital’s heritage and history.

Among the key initiatives announced is the undergrounding of overhead electrical wiring in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to improve safety and aesthetics. A comprehensive traffic management plan is also being prepared to address congestion in busy market areas, alongside proposals for multi-level parking facilities.

Gupta stressed that Old Delhi is a historic residential zone where every street reflects a layered past. The government aims to balance modernization with conservation by restoring traditional havelis and upgrading katras and kuchas without disturbing their heritage character. Previously proposed redevelopment projects — including the Chandni Chowk revamp, improvements around Jama Masjid, the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg corridor, and the stretch from Delhi Gate to Kashmiri Gate — will be reviewed and accelerated to position Old Delhi as a major heritage tourism hub.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged that the area had lagged behind in infrastructure development in recent years. The government will now prioritize road repairs, lane improvements, modernization of the aging sewer network, uninterrupted drinking water supply, and enhanced sanitation to ensure a cleaner urban environment.

The SRDC, established on May 1, 2008, as a special purpose vehicle of the Delhi government, was created to coordinate redevelopment efforts among civic bodies, the Public Works Department, and the tourism department. It plays a key role in conserving historic buildings and urban heritage within the walled city. After a period of limited activity, officials expect the corporation to regain momentum under the Chief Minister’s leadership.