Freedom from the narrow streets of Delhi: Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar will be rehabilitated, CM Rekha Gupta's big announcement

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made a big announcement to solve the decades-old problems of traders in the narrow streets of Delhi's historic Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar. She said that a plan is being made to shift these old markets from narrow and congested places so that traders get better facilities and business gets a boost. This statement came in response to questions raised by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) on the dilapidated condition of Chandni Chowk. Let us look at the facts of this announcement and its effects.

CM Rekha Gupta's announcement

On May 2, 2025, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "Traders in old markets like Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar are forced to breathe in small and cramped spaces. We need to shift them to a place where there are modern facilities and business can flourish." The statement came in response to the long-standing demands of the trading community of Delhi, which is struggling with narrow streets, encroachment, filth and lack of basic amenities.

Gupta also said that the Delhi government will prioritize the problems of traders in Budget 2025-26 under the theme "Developed Delhi". She took seriously the complaints of lack of toilets, drainage and sanitation in markets like Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar during direct interaction with traders.

Status of Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar

Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar are the largest wholesale markets in Delhi, with a daily turnover of over Rs 300 crore. These markets hold historical significance since the Mughal period and are surrounded by heritage sites like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Gurdwara Sheeshganj Sahib. However, the condition of these markets is pathetic:

• Narrow lanes: Traders have to operate in small shops that lack space for goods and customers.
• Encroachment and filth: “Chandni Chowk has become a hub of homeless people. It is difficult for tourists to walk around due to filth and encroachment,” said Brijesh Goyal, chairman of CTI.
• Lack of basic amenities: Problems with toilets, clean water and drainage are a cause of trouble for traders and customers.
• Impact on tourism: The poor condition of Chandni Chowk is damaging Delhi’s cultural image.

Rehabilitation plans

CM Gupta indicated that the government is considering shifting parts of Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar to outskirts or industrial areas of Delhi, such as Narela or Bawana. For this:

Warehouse policy: CTI has demanded a separate warehouse policy, which the government is considering implementing.

 Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC): CTI has demanded reconstitution of SRDC, which was formed in 2020-21 to redevelop Chandni Chowk but is now defunct. Gupta has promised to form a high-level committee that will visit the markets and take stock of the situation.

Delhi Bazaar Portal: There is a plan to launch Delhi Bazaar Portal to take traders' goods to the global market.

Demands of traders

1. The Chamber of Trade and Industry had given several suggestions to Gupta for the Delhi Budget in March 2025, including:
2. Converting industrial areas like Bawana, Bhorgarh, Jhilmil and Badli from leasehold to freehold.
3. Equalizing electricity rates with neighbouring states.
4. Abolishing MCD's factory license and implementing a single window system.
5. Making a separate plan for historical markets like Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazaar.

CTI general secretary Gurmeet Arora said, "The condition of the markets is bad due to the inaction of MCD and police. CM's promise of rehabilitation is a ray of hope for the traders."

Reaction on social media

Mixed reactions were seen on this announcement of CM on X. One user wrote, "Rehabilitation of Chandni Chowk is necessary, but the historical heritage should not be damaged." At the same time, some called it "impossible" because the traders will not be ready to leave their old place. Another user said, "This step of CM can make Delhi a world-class business center."

Challenges and future

Implementing the rehabilitation plan will not be easy. The emotional attachment of traders to the old places, the cost of rehabilitation, and building a customer base at the new places are big challenges. Apart from this, it is also important to maintain the cultural and historical identity of Chandni Chowk. Experts say that the government will have to have detailed discussions with the traders and make a transparent policy.