Connaught Place passes vehicle-free test, but there’s a long way to go

NEW DELHI: The Inner Circle of Connaught Place, which otherwise remains congested, bore a clean and clear look on Sunday after New Delhi Municipal Council’s car-free initiative was set in motion. Initially, there was some confusion among visitors, but things became smooth later.

People were seen cycling and taking photographs in the morning. By afternoon, the Inner Circle was almost empty with no honking of vehicles and no autos and taxis were parked haphazardly to restrict the movement of pedestrians.
The entrances of all radial roads were regulated by traffic police and civic wardens and home guards were deployed to guide visitors.Spaces were demarcated for pick up and drop off for vehicles. Flex banners were placed in the Outer Circle and entrances of radial roads to guide drivers to parking lots and to show roads open for entry and exit. Paramilitary forces were also stationed there for security.
NDMC secretary Rashmi Singh said that all parking lots were open in the Inner Circle and visitors were guided to reach their destinations. “We did our level best to popularise the one-day trial run of pedestrianisation and people also cooperated with us. The drive will not be conducted on Monday,” she added.
Prabha Ranui Khurna, a resident of Kalkaji, said, “I don’t think NDMC should backtrack now considering many markets are getting pedestrianised. It will help reduce congestion and pollution. People will slowly become used to it. In any case, people park and walk from one block to another to shop.”
However, her daughter, Neeti, had a different opinion. “This is the wrong weather to implement such a plan. No arrangements have been made for electric vehicles to give a ride to visitors,” she said.
Many other visitors lauded the move. Rekha and her husband, resident of Yamuna Vihar, who were seen carrying a suitcase and looking for their vehicle parked in D-Block, said, “Walking is good for health.” Another couple, Ajay Shukla and his wife, voiced the same opinion.
Raju, an auto driver, said that the Inner Circle is a hub of offices, banks and shops, so restricting vehicle entry on weekdays will lead to chaos and long jams in the area.
The traders, however, called the project a total mess and claimed that it reduced their sales by 50-60%. Atul Bhargava, president of New Delhi Traders’ Association, said, “The parking lots were empty and so were the showrooms and restaurants. Those who came to shop were caught in a mess, while others probably left after failing to enter the area. The weather is hot and we can’t expect people to walk from one block to the other.”