New Delhi, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi government has announced significant plans to revamp the historic Town Hall located in Chandni Chowk. In a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Under this agreement, the Town Hall, along with the Press Building and surrounding park, will be preserved and developed into a “Global Heritage Center.” CM Gupta emphasized that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India, aiming to connect Delhi’s rich historical heritage with new tourism and development opportunities.
The MOU signing event, held at the Delhi Secretariat, was also attended by Delhi’s Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, Mayor Pravesh Wahi, and senior officials from relevant departments. This project is especially significant as the Town Hall and its premises are part of the historic areas of Chandni Chowk and Shahjahanabad.
Constructed between 1860 and 1866, this Grade-I heritage site was the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation for many years until it moved to the new Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civic Centre on Minto Road in 2010. Since then, much of the site has remained largely vacant. The MOU stipulates that the MCD will retain ownership of the approximately 12,180 square meters of this historic complex.
The project’s goal is to ensure the adaptive reuse of the historic building while preserving its original heritage identity. This means that the structure will be maintained in accordance with its historical and architectural significance while being made relevant to contemporary tourism and cultural needs. Plans for the proposed Global Heritage Center include the development of a museum, cultural activities, and tourism-related facilities.
This initiative aims to create a major new attraction for domestic and international visitors to Old Delhi, allowing them to experience the city’s history, heritage, and culture in one location. Given its proximity to bustling areas like Chandni Chowk and the Old Delhi Railway Station, the site has vast potential for enhanced utilization.
As part of the MOU, DTTDC will be responsible for conducting surveys, structural assessments, and preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the initiative. The project may be developed through public investment or a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A joint working group with representatives from DTTDC and the Municipal Corporation will regularly review the project’s progress. The initial duration of the MOU is set for 30 years, with the possibility of extending it for another 30 years by mutual agreement. Heritage materials, archival documents, artifacts, and historical records related to the Town Hall will remain with the Municipal Corporation. The project will emphasize both the preservation of the building and the safeguarding of its associated historical heritage.
CM Gupta remarked that the Town Hall is not just a building but a vital part of Delhi’s rich history and heritage. The Delhi government aims to blend its historical and architectural identity with modern tourism and cultural activities. Once developed as a Global Heritage Center, this site will become an essential hub for introducing visitors from around the world to the history, culture, and heritage of Old Delhi. This initiative represents a significant step in preserving Delhi’s historical legacy while linking it to new tourism and development opportunities, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a developed India.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra added that the historical heritage of Chandni Chowk is a crucial part of Delhi’s identity. Developing the Town Hall, Press Building, and park into a Global Heritage Center will enhance heritage tourism in the area. The goal is to make these historical treasures more attractive and useful for both domestic and international tourists.
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