Tackling pollution, traffic: Naidu wants CP, Khan Market converted into 'No Vehicle' zones

Urban Development Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday asked NDMC to convert Connaught Place and Khan Market as 'No vehicle zones through necessary planning for traffic management, parking and last mile connectivity.

Reviewing the progress of implementation of Smart City Plan of New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), he gave a set of directions for making a radical difference to the look and feel of the area so that the NDMC area could act as a 'lighthouse' to other smart cities in the making.

Expressing concern over air pollution and traffic congestion, he suggested "introduction of electric vehicles for the benefit of children, elderly and disabled persons".

"NDMC and South MCD should undertake necessary interventions to make this section a smart road with all necessary features like pathways, landscaping all along the road etc so that it looks world class," Naidu directed.

He stressed on the need for provision of quality pedestrian pathways and non-motorised transport infrastructure.

Naidu also suggested setting up digital display screens at all major locations to provide information on traffic flows including jams, suggested traffic diversions, weather, pollution and other public information, and asked NDMC to ensure "a visible impact of smart city development by June next year".

--IANS

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