The Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Plan may become the next point of conflict between the Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi with the area MP, Dr. Harshavardhan, looking to bring back trams to the city.
This is despite Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia scrapping the project.
Last month, after several visits to the Chandni Chowk market to check the feasibility of the project, Mr. Sisodia scrapped the project. Instead, he opted for e-buses. Raising concerns over the expense on trams, the Delhi government’s decision came after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation proposed a 4.3-long tram line for the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project, which would cost around Rs. 800 crore, besides operation and maintenance charges.
Dr Harshavardhan had written to the Lieutenant Governor a fortnight back, asking him to intervene and bring the trams back.
In his letter to Mr. Najeeb Jung, Dr. Harshavardhan said trams were an integral part of the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Plan, and that the State government had scrapped it without any consultation.
He also said that six trams had been proposed from Lal Jain Mandir to Fatehpuri Mosque with no rickshaws and vehicles to be allowed on the line. Each tram was expected to accommodate 300 persons.
Regarding the expense, he said that “funding from Asian Development Bank can be sought and trams can easily ply.”
But this hasn’t gone down well with the AAP government. Blaming the BJP-led North Delhi Municipal Corporation for the project being delayed, area MLA Alka Lamba said that it had become an ego issue for Dr. Harshavardhan.
“Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project was with the BJP for seven years and they did nothing. Now, when our government is finally taking up work, they are placing hurdles. Trams were scrapped as the cost of the project escalated. E-buses will suffice. Regarding the heritage aspect, the street furniture and beautification will be done in such a way that the character of the market will not change,” Ms. Lamba said.
