CM Rekha Gupta takes direct charge of Old Delhi’s rejuvenation; appointed Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation

Heritage to be preserved; Old Delhi to emerge as a major tourism hub: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, February 2026 : The development of the historic area of Old Delhi is set to receive fresh direction. Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has been appointed Chairperson of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). Orders to this effect have been issued from Lok Niwas. The Chief Minister said that her government will accord the highest priority to the comprehensive redevelopment of Old Delhi along with the conservation of its rich heritage. Through the SRDC, Old Delhi will be developed into an attractive tourism hub.

Areas to be revitalised by the SRDC

After assuming charge, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta stated that reviving the historical and cultural glory of Old Delhi, the Walled City, is a key commitment of her government. Shahjahanabad is not merely a locality but a living symbol of Delhi’s rich history and cultural legacy. She said that overhead electrical wires in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi will be taken underground to enhance safety and improve the visual appeal of the area. To address traffic congestion in busy markets, a comprehensive traffic management plan will be prepared. The government will also work towards the creation of multi-level parking facilities.

Projects to be reviewed

The Chief Minister noted that Old Delhi is a historic residential area where every lane reflects centuries of heritage. The government aims to ensure balanced development while safeguarding this legacy. Along with the conservation of historic havelis, katras, and koochas will also be upgraded. She informed that the SRDC had earlier prepared several development schemes, including the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, the Jama Masjid area, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and the beautification of the road stretch from Delhi Gate to Kashmere Gate. All these projects will be reviewed afresh to develop Old Delhi as a major tourism destination.

Focus on basic civic amenities

The Chief Minister also said that Old Delhi has remained deprived of the desired level of development and basic civic amenities in recent years. The government will ensure uninterrupted road construction, repair of lanes, improvement of the dilapidated sewerage system, and a clear blueprint for the uninterrupted supply of drinking water. Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in Old Delhi is also among the government’s key priorities.

SRDC as a partner in development and conservation

The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) was constituted on 1 May 2008 by the Government of Delhi as a Special Purpose Vehicle. Its objective is to facilitate coordination among various agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Public Works Department and the Tourism Department, to expedite development works. The corporation also plays a significant role in the conservation of historic buildings, lanes and heritage assets. The SRDC’s jurisdiction primarily covers the area within the walled city of Old Delhi. Over the past few years, the corporation had been relatively inactive due to various reasons; however, with its reorganisation under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Old Delhi’s development is expected to gain renewed pace and direction.