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Karol Bagh is a mixed residential-cum commercial neighbourhood in Delhi, known for its shopping streets, like the Ghaffar Market and Ajmal Khan Road. It is one of the three administrative subdivisions, of the Central Delhi district, of the NCR.

History In 1920s, residents of villages like Madhoganj, Jaisingh Pura and Raja ka Bazaar evacuated to build Connaught Place and nearby areas, they were relocated in Karol Bagh to the West, then a rocky area populated by trees and wild, bushes. The area was primarily residential with a large Muslim population until the exodus of many Muslims to Pakistan and an influx of refugees from West Punjab after partition in 1947, many of whom were traders. There remains a sizeable Marathi, Tamil-speaking population. Karol Bagh was also home to a large Bengali community, and has one of the oldest Durga Puja in the city, though their numbers have now increased many folds most of them working as jewellers.

Introduction

EXERPTS FROM MPD 2021 Important Commercial Centre outside Walled City Redevelopment based on Mixed Use Concept Provision of Parking Up-gradation of facilities and utilities Gridiron pattern is an asset to be used to regulate

& pedestrianize traffic movement

Context, Principles and intervention area South east: Connaught place North East: Old Delhi Station, Shahjahnabad East: New Delhi Station MPD-2001 proposed urban renewal of 2600 ha. of old built up area, known as 'Special Area' which has been divided into 4 Urban Renewal Areas namely (i) Walled City (ii) Karol Bagh (iii) Other Urban Renewal Areas, and, (iv) Specific use zone areas. Karol Bagh has a distinct physical structure of walkable blocks and a network of neighbourhood parks. It is Strategy also a shopping destination and a thriving business district making it one of the most important mixed use districts in the NCR region.

The District is structured around Ajmal Khan Road and Arya Samaj Road that form the major shopping streets along with Pusa Road/ Dayal Chowk as the gateway to the district. DB Gupta is a strategic city wide connector. Initial Concepts: Reinforce the pedestrian character of Ajmal Khan

Road Create opportunities for placemaking at major

pedestrian nodes: Karol Bagh Metro Station and Intersection of Ajmal Khan & Arya Samaj Road

Establish the street network as per pedestrian guidelines by UTTIPEC

Strategy

Two step approach to address the public realm improvements in Karol Bagh. Strategy 1: Streets & Plazas Program Strategy 2: Parks & Places Program

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Streets & Plazas Program

Ajmal Khan road

Placemaking at major pedestrian

nodes

Establishing the street network- Major North South

Connector Roads- Saraswati & Gurudwara Road

Ajmal Khan road

STREETSCAPE CHARACTER: AMENITIES

Detail segment showing various street components

Seating and Kiosk Art and Shelter

PLAZAS: METRO CHOWK, ARYA SAMAJ, AJMAL KHAN

Parks & Place Program

The network of parks and streets in Karol Bagh create a strong contrast of urban experience between active Ajmal Khan Road and the passive, more local parks. We propose to enhance the fabric of the park along with the improvements in public realm of the streets. These in turn are seen as being anchors in the local life of the neighbourhood. Initial Concepts: Enhance the visual linkages of the park with the

public realm. Propose special paving on the streets around the

park. Proposed special treatment to the park edge along

the major street to highlight the entry and create a green zone.

Propose small neighbourhood plaza where space is available

Existing Character of a typical Park No visual connection High Boundary wall with high

fence Parking all around the park

Interventions: Pedestrian friendly traffic calming measures Boundary wall lowered to minimum with fence Shade and shelter elements Seating and lighting

Ajmal Khan Road to park connection: Park A &C

Existing scenario around parks: Parking, inaccessible (high walls) Proposed interventions: No barriers, change in texture

PARK C

S T R E E T S R E T R O F I T T I N G : S T R E E T S R E T R O F I T T I N G : PEDESTRIAN GUIDELINES AND KEY JUNCTIONS:

Gurudwara Road Pusa Road Proposed traffic circulation plan Key Junctions

Arya Samaj road and Gurudwara Road

Arya Samaj road and Ajmal Khan Road

The area is characterised by commercial development along the Ajmal Khan road, Gurudwara road etc. followed by mixed use development along with typologies like hotels and lodges along the second/ third block in the area