NDMC experiments to pedestrianize CP’s inner circle

NEW DELHI: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) tested to pedestrianize the inner circle at Connaught Place in New Delhi on June 30. The drive included restriction on the entry of vehicles to the inner circle. All the vehicles were allowed only till parking lots. But, empty showrooms and a fall in sales at petrol stations have created resentment against the authorities.

The authorities placed barricades on roads leading to the inner circle from the middle circle. As per the NDMC staff, the response to the move was largely positive, though there was little awareness among people. “Footfall increased considerably… We will examine issues that came up with the help of experts”, said an NDMC spokesperson.

According to visitors and shopper at the place, the move by NDMC created a ‘good environment’ for shopping and moving around. Although, few visitors who were unaware of the move had trouble finding parking space.

If the area is pedestrainised in future then e-vehicles like smart bikes will be used to ferry people unable to walk to the inner circle, said the NDMC spokesperson.

On the contrary, the owners of few stores and petrol pumps in inner circle complained of the fall in sales. Although, the NDMC officials allowed motorists to access petrol pumps in the inner circle but the average sale on a Sunday as compared to June 30, was far less, complained petrol pump owners.

Also, the ‘New Delhi Trader’s Association’ staged a protest at the shopping on June 29, calling the move ‘irrelevant’.