For three months, starting February cars and buses disallowed to enter Connaught Place – the heart of Delhi. The move is reportedly a part of the pilot smart city project to be launched next month. Traffic will be barred from entering the middle and inner circles of Connaught Place, the major commercial area, as a part of the project.
As a replacement, ‘Park and ride’ services on cycles and battery operated vehicles will be offered from the surrounding parking slots at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Palika parking and Shivaji Stadium.
Police say that these three locations offer a parking capacity of 3,172 and on an average only 1,088 vehicles are parked.
Dotted with some of the most recognisable heritage structures, the three-month “pedestrianisation” of the area will test the effects on traffic, management of reclaimed parking lots and record the experience of shop owners and pedestrians – according to the Ministry of Urban Development.
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu also discussed the possibility of developing side walk cafes, public plazas, holding light and sound shows, street festivals, landscaping the area and developing water bodies while discussing the Smart City Project.
