NDMC to restart CP redevelopment, chaos ahead

New Delhi: Expect traffic chaos on Connaught Place for at least next eight months from Tuesday as a civic agency is restarting its redevelopment work at the capital's commercial hotspot.

The redevelopment work at the Connaught Place is undertaken by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which has been allowed to do soft barricading which could lead to shrinkage of road space.

The redevelopment work of Connaught Place, including construction of remaining work of subways at Panchkuian Road, Barakhamba Road and service corridor in the middle circle and on Radial Roads, will start from Tuesday.

The NDMC had completed facade restoration and some other works in the CP redevelopment project before the Commonwealth Games in October last year.

"NDMC has been permitted to do soft barricading for the proposed redevelopment work. As a consequence, congestion is expected in and around Connaught Place from tomorrow," Sateyndra Garg, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said.

Redevelopment Plan of Connaught Place envisages minimum 240 days or eight months for construction of subways and middle circle work, he said.

There will be no parking available on middle circle and Radial Roads 2,3,4, and 7 during redevelopment work while there will be no movement of traffic in the middle circle of Connaught Place.

"People who can avoid coming to Connaught Place should avoid in view of the expected congestion and those coming here are advised to use Metro and other public transport for their own convenience," Garg said.

With the commencement of work, people will be able to enter inner circle through Radial No 1 at Janpath, Radial No 3 at Panchkuian Road, Radial No 4 State Entry Road and Radial No 6 in the vicinity of Shankar Market.

Traffic from inner circle will be able to come out from Radial No 1-A at Sansad Marg, Radial Road No 2 at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Radial Road No 5 at Minto Road and Radial Road No 7 at Barakhamba Road.

Radial Road No 3 and 4 for entry and Radial Road No 2 and 7 for exit will be partially available for traffic movement.