Khan Market Traders and Police Discuss Traffic and Parking at Traffic Panchayat
Traders from Khan Market met with officials from the Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police, and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Saturday during a "Traffic Panchayat" to address pressing issues regarding parking shortages, traffic congestion, pedestrian access, and illegal encroachments.
The meeting was conducted at the Disaster Management Centre on Humayun Road. During the session, traders highlighted problems concerning vehicle access to the market, limited parking availability, pedestrian crossings, and general traffic management along Shah Jahan Road. Issues regarding signal timings and public space encroachments by mechanics and other commercial establishments were also brought up, with participants noting that these encroachments disrupt traffic movement and pedestrian walkways.
Parking solutions formed a major part of the discussion. Authorities and traders reviewed possibilities for underground parking, additional parking floors, and reviving an earlier tender for an underground facility. NDMC officials stated that a smart parking solution for Khan Market is under consideration. Officials also discussed the feasibility of developing an underground parking facility on a vacant plot located on Amrita Shergill Marg.
Joint CP (Traffic) Sanjay Tyagi noted that authorities discussed manually operating the Sujan Singh Park traffic signal during peak hours and reviewing the signal timing on SBM Road. Other traffic management measures explored during the meeting included introducing a one-way circulation system inside Khan Market, creating a dedicated pick-and-drop point for taxis and autorickshaws (TSRs), and setting up a stand for three to four TSRs near Sujan Singh Park.
Security and traffic preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit were also evaluated, as delegates and visitors are expected to visit the market. Participants emphasised the need for inter-agency coordination, adequate CCTV coverage, and functioning Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras at market entry points. Area hotels will also be sensitised to manage guest vehicle parking to prevent obstruction of nearby roads.
Special CP (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary said the meeting aimed to bring all stakeholders together to establish practical solutions. He stated that agencies received several useful suggestions from the traders to tackle immediate issues and formulate long-term improvements for traffic and pedestrian movement around the market.
