In order to reduce traffic congestion in Connaught Place, the heart of the national capital, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is considering barring the entry of vehicles in the inner circle.

“We are vying for the smart city project and Connaught Place is a very important area under our jurisdiction. Though various initiatives have been lined up for its revamp and facelift, traffic congestion remains a huge problem,” NDMC Chairman Naresh Kumar told PTI.

“We are therefore planning to make the inner circle a pedestrian zone and not allowing entry of any vehicles inside.

It will not only reduce congestion but also contribute to an increase in the footfall,” he added.

The civic body is in conversation with various agencies to work out the plan and it is likely to be implemented by next month.

“We are in conversation with the traders association of Connaught Place, Delhi traffic police and other agencies. The details of how the proposal will be implemented are being worked out and it is likely to be enforced by next month,” he said.

The council has also proposed to give a facelift to the middle circle of the Connaught Place, to lend the whole market area a uniform revamped look.

The Connaught Place Redevelopment project was conceived in 2004 and was scheduled for completion ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October, 2010.

However, the revamped look sans the upgrading of the middle circle was unveiled in 2013 after the civic body had missed several deadlines.

NDMC, which is vying for the Smart City project rolled out by Urban Development Ministry, has also sought suggestions from public about possible upgradation and development in its areas as well as finalising the revenue model for it.

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