The long-delayed Jama Masjid redevelopment project is finally gaining momentum, thanks to an order from Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma. The project, which focuses on the narrow and congested stretch between Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, has been plagued by delays for nearly two decades. On April 7, 2025, Verma set a clear deadline to complete the repairs by July and emphasized improving the drainage system along with other roadworks.

The redevelopment of this crucial street in Delhi involves a comprehensive set of upgrades designed to decongest and revamp the area. The PWD has already issued tenders to carry out road repairs, which include removing the top layer of the road, re-carpeting with bitumen, and possibly widening the road. Officials have also suggested adding basic heritage elements to preserve the area’s historical significance.

Reason for Delay in Jama Masjid Road Revamp

Initially, the road improvement work was part of a larger redevelopment plan for the Jama Masjid area, which was first proposed back in 2004 to restore the mosque and its surrounding precincts. A detailed project plan was submitted to the Delhi High Court in 2006, followed by approval from the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) in 2009. The project, however, faced several obstacles over the years, especially after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi was trifurcated, which delayed the handover of responsibilities from one agency to another.

In 2012, the responsibility of the redevelopment shifted from the North Delhi Municipal Corporation to the PWD, and later to the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC). In August 2019, the project was divided into two parts to accelerate the process. The first phase focused on improving the surrounding areas of the mosque, including the Meena Bazar, Urdu Bazar, and approach roads, while the second phase will address the redevelopment of the Jama Masjid precincts.

Structural Woes of Jama Masjid

Despite being one of the most iconic monuments in India, Jama Masjid has been grappling with structural disrepair. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, the mosque has been subject to occasional repairs by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), although the mosque is not officially protected under ASI and its maintenance falls under the Delhi Waqf Board.

Over the years, the mosque has faced several incidents of damage due to poor sanitation and congestion. In May 2024, the finial of the mosque’s central dome was damaged during a rainstorm, and a red sandstone slab from the minaret collapsed in June 2021, causing damage to the courtyard. These incidents have drawn attention to the ongoing maintenance challenges at the mosque.

Moreover, the narrow approach roads leading to the mosque, coupled with shops and residential areas near the mosque’s entrance, further complicate the maintenance and expansion plans for the mosque and its surroundings. The area, which is a popular market hub, is also grappling with sanitation issues, further complicating redevelopment efforts.

Redevelopment Plan: Phase II

The second phase of the redevelopment project will focus on improving the Jama Masjid area and its surroundings, including historical sites and nearby mausoleums. This phase aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the area. Some of the important proposals for this phase include:

• Renovation of nearby mausoleums, such as Dargah Sheikh Kalimullah, Hare Bhare Shah Mazaar, Ubhre Shah Mazaar, and the mausoleum of General Shah Nawaz Khan.

• Creation of pedestrian walkways, plazas, and common utility ducts on approach roads to the mosque, improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

• Underground drainage systems to solve the area’s persistent sanitation problems.

• Removal of overhead electric cables and better lighting to make the area safer and more attractive for both residents and tourists.

• Integration of street furniture, street art, and landscaping to enhance the area’s cultural and aesthetic value, including horticulture projects to green the area.

Conclusion

The ongoing Jama Masjid redevelopment is an essential project for improving one of Delhi’s most historic and congested areas. The revamping of the Chandni Chowk to Jama Masjid stretch by the PWD is a significant step toward decongesting the area, improving road infrastructure, and preserving the cultural heritage of the mosque and its surroundings. With the second phase of the redevelopment set to address long-standing structural issues and sanitation concerns, it is hoped that this project will revitalize the area, benefiting both the residents and the millions of tourists who visit the Jama Masjid each year.

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