Vehicle-Free Connaught Place: NDMC Seeks Public Views on Inner Circle Plan

NDMC chairman Manoj Dwivedi has sought public views on making Connaught Place’s Inner Circle vehicle-free for selected hours.

Connaught Place could see a major change in how people use its Inner Circle. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is considering restricting vehicles from the area.

NDMC chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi has invited suggestions from residents, visitors and other stakeholders. The proposal aims to make the busy commercial hub more pedestrian-friendly.

The idea was shared by Dwivedi on X on Thursday. He asked whether the Inner Circle could be made vehicle-free so people could walk around freely.

What timings has NDMC proposed?

The civic body is considering different timings for summer and winter. One option would restrict vehicles from 6 pm to midnight during summer.

For winter, the suggested window is 11 am to 4 pm. NDMC is also seeking views on whether the restriction should cover the entire day.

Weekend timings could also be different under the proposal. The civic body has asked people to suggest suitable timings and activities.

The plan is still at the consultation stage. Dwivedi later said no policy was being rushed and more planning would be required before implementation.

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Public activities could get more space

NDMC is also seeking ideas for using the Inner Circle and Central Park during vehicle-free periods. Suggested possibilities include cultural programmes, fitness activities and public events.

Connaught Place has previously hosted pedestrian-focused initiatives. The Raahgiri@CP programme opened parts of the area to walking, cycling, fitness sessions and street performances.

A regular vehicle-free period could expand such activities. It could also give visitors more space to.

vehicle-free Connaught Place could therefore become part of a broader effort to create more pedestrian-friendly public spaces in central Delhi.

Reactions focus on access and traffic

The proposal has received mixed suggestions from people responding online. Some users welcomed the idea and pointed to the potential for community activities.

Others raised concerns about transport, enforcement and street management. One suggestion called for stronger bus connectivity if cars were removed from the Inner Circle.

Parking and traffic diversion are also expected to be important issues. Restricting vehicles could shift congestion to surrounding roads if alternative arrangements are not planned.

Traders may also have concerns about customer access. Any final plan would need .

NDMC plans further consultations

Dwivedi said the civic body would study the suggestions before moving ahead. He also indicated that consultations with traffic police and other stakeholders would be required.

The NDMC could assess traffic, footfall, parking and business activity through a trial. The results could help determine whether restrictions should be expanded or modified.

The proposal also comes with another civic change. NDMC has extended the operating hours of 11 public toilets in Connaught Place until midnight.

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For now, the Inner Circle remains open to regular vehicular movement. The NDMC has not announced  final implementation date for the proposed restrictions.

The debate is now focused on finding a workable balance between pedestrian space.

Traffic Management Will Be Key

A vehicle restriction in Connaught Place would require careful traffic planning. Roads around the Inner Circle could see additional pressure during restricted hours.

Traffic authorities would need to identify diversion routes before any trial begins. Clear signage and enforcement would also be important for motorists.

Impact On Shops And Restaurants

Connaught Place is one of Delhi’s major commercial and dining destinations. Any traffic change could affect how customers reach shops and restaurants.

Businesses may benefit from a quieter and more pedestrian-friendly environment. However, traders could seek clear arrangements for deliveries and customer access.