Delhi CM Eyes Makeover For Old Delhi Tourism

New Delhi — What if Chandni Chowk wasn’t just a congested checkpoint for parathas and family jewellery runs, but a clean, curated experience like Old Town Istanbul? That’s what locals started imagining after the CM’s recent statement: redeveloping Old Delhi into a top-tier tourist hub is now a top government priority. But will the lanes of Daryaganj and Dariba Kalan finally get the facelift they’ve waited decades for—or just more signboards and photo ops?

Old Delhi Gets Official Focus—Again

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently called redeveloping Old Delhi as a tourist-friendly zone a “top priority”—a phrase that packs hope and wariness in equal measure for longtime residents. This isn’t the first time city officials have promised change for the walled city’s aging arteries, but the renewed push could bring in tangible upgrades: better sanitation, restored heritage buildings, lighting for evening activities, and traffic management tweaks. The goal is to elevate the entire stretch from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque into a seamless tourist “experience,” anchored around culture, food, and commerce.

While Chandni Chowk recently got wider roads and basic beautification, insiders say this new effort may extend deeper into gulley labyrinths like Ballimaran and Nai Sarak. Think coordinated signage, dedicated lanes for e-rickshaws, and serious street food hygiene enforcement. According to one Dilli Gate-based official, they’re considering time-staggered access windows for delivery vehicles to ease the daytime squeeze. Whether it happens in real form or just on paper will depend on budget flow and local cooperation.

What This Means For Daily Dilliwalas

If you’ve ever tried to reach Jama Masjid during Eid preparations or even a random Wednesday noon, you already know the drill: gridlock, impatient honking, and narrow escapes from two-wheelers. This redevelopment drive could ease pressure off both locals and small business owners. Students from Zakir Husain College might see fewer interruptions on their 20-minute walk from Delhi Gate. Families living near Kashmere Gate—including many fourth-generation traders—hope for upgrades in waste disposal and streetlight reliability.

But not everyone is sold on change. “Last time they fixed things, our footfall dipped for two months due to blockages,” said a shopkeeper near Meena Bazaar. “Tourists come, click photos, eat golgappas—and leave. Our regular customers avoid the chaos.” He’s not wrong: beautification efforts often forget about the neighbourhood economy that ticks beyond Instagram. Expect mixed reactions from vendors on Chitli Qabar Road and plenty of cautious optimism from local associations like the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Board.

Old Delhi’s Curious History of Promises

Ever since the 1990s, every Delhi government has announced plans for reviving Shahjahanabad—that’s the Mughal-era name for Old Delhi. The Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project was supposed to be the pilot in 2004; it only properly launched in late 2018. Compared to areas like Jaipur’s Walled City, which now has electric cab services and organized bazaars, Old Delhi remains chaotic and charming—but tough to navigate without a guide or tremendous patience.

Other global cities like Kyoto and Rome have balanced modern tourism with heritage successfully, and Delhi does have the bones for it: havelis, centuries-old markets, and a multicultural history oozing from every grilled balcony and spice-scented alley. But delay cycles, haphazard coordination between agencies like DDA, MCD, and Delhi Tourism have kept progress uneven. If this new focus includes grassroots dialogue, especially with long-time families and businesses, it might break that curse.

If You’re Planning a Visit Soon, Here’s What To Do

Checkout traffic updates before heading in; ignore Google Maps—locals say afternoon is still bad near Lahori Gate despite new diversions.
Stick to the metro: Take the Violet Line to Jama Masjid or Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk; walking is easier than waiting for autos inside.
Aim for early morning weekends (before 10am) to catch the charm without the crowds—especially if you want to photograph Haveli Dharampura or try Karim’s without a queue.

📍 Spot Check: Closest Metro Stations: Jama Masjid (Violet Line), Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line). Nearby landmarks include Red Fort, Fatehpuri Mosque, and Chawri Bazar. Don’t miss Sunday Book Market near Daryaganj if you’re a reader.

The Final Word

Old Delhi holds Delhi’s oldest stories—but modern infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with its cultural weight. If this renewed spotlight results in cleaner lanes, safer streets, and preserved architecture, it’s a win for tourists and Dilliwallas alike. But the execution will need more than fancy plans—it’ll need long-term local trust. Can Old Delhi’s soul survive in the age of smart tourism? We’re hoping for a yes, but watching with chai in hand and eyebrows raised.