The Delhi government has officially renamed the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation as the Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN). According to reports from ANI, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced this change during the annual general meeting of the redevelopment body on Thursday. The name change reflects the government's commitment to comprehensive development of Old Delhi through an integrated approach. The AGM was held under the chairpersonship of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, attended by Urban Development Minister and Corporation Vice-Chairman Ashish Sood, Managing Director Sandeep Kumar and senior officials from concerned departments. As per the Chief Minister's Office, CM Rekha Gupta said the Corporation has begun a comprehensive and focused initiative to preserve the historic identity of Old Delhi while equipping it with modern civic amenities.
As reported by ANI, Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that development of Old Delhi should extend beyond physical infrastructure to encompass heritage conservation, tourism promotion, economic activity, civic amenities, and environmental balance. The IVPN will undertake heritage conservation alongside modern urban development, including conservation of historic buildings, modernisation of infrastructure, solid waste management, traffic management, expansion of tourism facilities, and other related aspects. This integrated approach aims to preserve the area's cultural significance while enhancing its functionality for the millions of daily visitors. Gupta stated that Delhi's historical heritage is not only a part of the city's cultural identity but also an invaluable legacy for future generations, with development works undertaken in a manner that preserves the historical identity, traditional character and architectural beauty of Old Delhi. She added that heritage conservation and modern development must go hand in hand so that local residents, traders and visitors alike benefit from better facilities, while Old Delhi establishes a new identity as a world-class heritage area.
According to ANI, Gupta directed officials to expedite the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, improve parking facilities, and build public toilets to enhance public convenience. The chief minister specifically directed that the market's design should reflect its historical identity, traditional character, and cultural significance. For the Town Hall redevelopment, she ordered the creation of a major entry and exit from the Chandni Chowk side to help the building emerge as a prominent heritage and tourism centre. The meeting decided to accord the highest priority to the redevelopment of the historic Chandni Chowk, with historians, heritage experts and relevant field experts to be associated with the redevelopment to ensure preservation of the market's original historical character and architectural identity. The Chief Minister also directed that a dedicated control room be established in the market to provide information, guidance and prompt assistance to tourists arriving from across the country and abroad. Special emphasis was also laid on developing organised parking facilities to make access and vehicle parking more convenient for visitors.
As reported by ANI, Gupta directed the preparation of a comprehensive redevelopment and beautification plan for the Jama Masjid area and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg in front of the Old Delhi Railway Station. She emphasized that keeping in view the movement of lakhs of people through the area every day, modern and functional public toilet blocks should be developed and civic amenities should be further strengthened. The redevelopment strategy will also focus on scientific solid waste management, traffic improvement, tourism infrastructure, environmental sustainability and conservation of heritage buildings under an integrated urban development model. The meeting stressed the need to safeguard the interests of local traders and shopkeepers so that a balance is maintained between heritage conservation and commercial activity. The comprehensive approach aims to transform Old Delhi into a balanced development zone that preserves its heritage while meeting modern urban requirements.
According to ANI, officials informed the meeting that Old Delhi covers an area of about 7.12 square kilometres and is more than 350 years old. The historic city is home to one World Heritage Site, 10 nationally protected monuments, 10 state-protected monuments and over 700 locally protected heritage sites. Every day, lakhs of people visit the area for shopping, trade, pilgrimage and tourism. The planned development is essential not only for preserving its heritage but also for giving fresh momentum to trade and tourism, while reinforcing Old Delhi's historic identity in a renewed form. The IVPN has also been tasked with preparing a detailed blueprint for the comprehensive development of the Hanuman Temple at Yamuna Bazaar and the area behind it as part of the larger redevelopment project. To ensure authenticity, historians, heritage experts and conservation specialists will be associated with the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk and adjoining heritage areas.
