New Delhi | The Delhi Government has renamed the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) as the Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN). The decision reflects the government’s broader vision to preserve Old Delhi’s rich historical, cultural, and architectural legacy while improving civic infrastructure and tourism facilities.
The decision was taken during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of IVPN chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in the presence of Urban Development Minister and IVPN Vice-Chairman Ashish Sood, Managing Director Sandeep Kumar, and senior officials. The meeting outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the redevelopment of Old Delhi through heritage conservation, infrastructure enhancement, and integrated urban planning.
A major focus of the initiative will be the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk, where the government has directed officials to ensure that future interventions retain the area’s historic identity, traditional streetscape, and cultural significance. Plans also include the construction of modern public toilet facilities, improved civic amenities, organised parking infrastructure, and a dedicated tourist information and assistance control room to accommodate the large number of daily visitors.
The government has further proposed enhancing key heritage landmarks and precincts, including the historic Town Hall, with improved public access from the Chandni Chowk side, and preparing redevelopment plans for the Hanuman Temple at Yamuna Bazaar, the Jama Masjid precinct, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg near Old Delhi Railway Station. Historians, conservation architects, and heritage experts will be involved in the planning process to ensure that redevelopment respects the area’s original architectural character.
According to the Delhi Government, the redevelopment strategy will go beyond physical infrastructure by integrating heritage conservation, tourism promotion, environmental management, traffic improvement, solid waste management, and economic development. The objective is to create a balanced model where preservation and modern urban development progress together while safeguarding the interests of local traders, residents, and visitors.
Old Delhi spans approximately 7.12 square kilometres and includes one UNESCO World Heritage Site, 10 nationally protected monuments, 10 state-protected monuments, and more than 700 locally protected heritage sites. Officials noted that the area attracts lakhs of visitors every day for commerce, pilgrimage, shopping, and tourism, making its planned conservation and redevelopment essential for strengthening Delhi’s historic identity and boosting economic activity.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that Delhi’s historical heritage is an invaluable legacy for future generations and emphasised that development projects must preserve the city’s traditional character and architectural beauty while delivering better public amenities and positioning Old Delhi as a world-class heritage destination.
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