Connaught Place and India Gate are poised for a dramatic transformation into vibrant nocturnal destinations, with plans underway to establish night food markets modelled on the famed street food havens of Indore and Ahmedabad.
The ambitious proposal, reported by The Indian Express, aims to bring a slice of Sarafa Bazaar and Law Garden to the heart of the capital.
Under the scheme, between 50 to 60 food trucks and vans will operate from 10.30 pm until 1 am, initially on weekends with a view to extend to weekdays.
To ensure public safety and a pedestrian-friendly environment, the areas will be declared temporary no-driving zones during market hours.
The initiative will require coordinated efforts from multiple agencies, including the Delhi Police, the Delhi Traffic Police and the Delhi government's Art and Culture department.
The project, which seeks to boost night-time economy and tourism, was proposed by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) member Parvesh Sahib Singh during a council meeting on Wednesday.
According to The Indian Express, directions were issued for relevant departments to develop a detailed outline ahead of the next meeting.
Beyond mere gastronomy, the vision includes a rich cultural programme. Live performances by artists from various state bhawans (guest houses) are planned to create a festive atmosphere.
The markets will feature rotating thematic celebrations throughout the year, focusing on festivals like Diwali and Holi, as well as seasonal offerings such as mangoes.
The NDMC meeting also saw the approval of several significant infrastructure projects. A new foot overbridge will be constructed in front of Gate No. 5 of the Delhi High Court on Sher Shah Road.
NDMC Vice-Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal stated that the facility is intended to provide a safe passage for advocates, clients and pedestrians, thereby reducing traffic congestion and preventing accidents in the busy area.
In a major road overhaul, 79 key roads within the NDMC’s jurisdiction are slated for resurfacing at an estimated cost of Rs 89.75 crore.
This includes stretches near critical government installations such as Parliament, the Prime Minister’s residence and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Specific roads in the Connaught Place division, including its Inner, Middle and Outer Circles, will be resurfaced at a cost of Rs 10.65 crore.
The project, a collaboration with CSIR-CRRI, will employ advanced technologies like micro-surfacing and cold milling.
Further addressing urban pollution, automatic mist systems will be installed on 24 selected roads to suppress dust and mitigate vehicular pollution.
The council also announced its plans to observe ‘Seva Parv’ from September 17 to October 2, a period marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, by organising various public service camps and programmes.
The meeting was attended by MP Bansuri Swaraj, NDMC Chairperson Keshav Chandra and other senior council members.
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