MAR-153 PLANNING AND PARAMETERS

ASSIGNMENT 1 - LOCAL AREA STUDY

NEHRU PLACE MARKET, SOUTH DELHI

Course instructor : Ms. Ruchi Saxena

Submitted by Mohd. Arsalan , Mohd. Omar and Nabeel Nusrat

1.INTRODUCTION :
Nehru Place, situated in South Delhi (Zone J - Master Plan of Delhi) is one of India’s biggest and most recognizable
business districts. Established in the 1980s by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), it was originally called as
Kalkaji Complex, and was planned as a modern commercial centre to ease the pressure on Chandni Chowk and
Connaught Place. It was the biggest of all the 15 District Centres proposed in the 1962 Master Plan of Delhi.

Overtime, Nehru Place gained recognition as the IT and electronics capital of India, where computer hardware,
software, electronics repair services, informal vending activities and corporate offices coexisted. Later, as there was a
growing market for the IT industry, yet unfriendly import policies on electronic items. Nehru Place became the grey
market to meet these demands, providing a wide range of IT products from international brands to pirated software
and repair services. Electronic retailers from all over the country source their goods from Nehru Place, making it one
of Asia’s largest IT hubs.

Almost 1.25 lac people come to Nehru place from different corners of Delhi for various purposes. However, since it
was not planned to accommodate such huge numbers, this resulted in congestion, lack of sanitation and degenerating
in and around the area of Nehru Place.

The main plaza of Nehru Place is a 4-storey complex, home to around 1500 offices, 400 registered IT dealers,
computer retailers, textile and digital printing shops, and eateries. The common areas of the plaza are occupied by
around 600 hawkers. There are around 100 buildings, most of which are in poor condition – from the structure and
paint to the dingy hallways and dysfunctional lifts. Initially, many large public sector companies had their offices in
Nehru Place, but have now shifted to Gurgaon and Noida due to dearth of space.

This report focuses on Nehru Place market area to understand how pedestrian and vehicular mobility, informal
activities and public space quality shapes the user experience in a high density commercial centre. By conducting
surveys through questionnaires, interviews and on site observations, we will try to identify key issues faced by visitors
and business owners or employees etc. Based on this we will evaluate and provide solutions through urban design
and governance.

1.Zonal Development Plan of Zone J under MPD where Nehru Place is marked in Red | Source : Delhi Development Authority
2.Nehru place Precinct and Study area | Source : Google Earth

3.Study area in detail | Source : Delhi Development Authority

2.SITE SELECTION AND PROBLEM FRAMING :

2.1 Rationale for Site Selection

The site was selected for this study because DDA is actively working on Nehru Place’s redevelopment based on MPD
2041, involving artistic upgrades to public space, improved sanitation, increased parking capacity and improved
pedestrian zones which makes it a centerpiece of the conversation on how we can regenerate the dilapidated areas
through better planning, urban design and governance.

The site was also in the proximity of the university so we would be able to gather more data and conduct field visit
frequently in order to generate the best results.

2.2 Initial observation

Initial observations from site visits reveal that Nehru place is a bustling economic node but it is poorly maintained and
dilapidated.

 Foothpaths are either absent and even if they are present, are broken or occupied by vendors or vehicles. The
space is ample but due to these issues it leaves very little space for the pedestrians.
 The absence of signages is also an issue as navigation becomes difficult, especially for visitors.
 Cleanliness is also a major problem with open garbage and spitting.
 Visual quality and character of the space is also deteriorated.
 Parking is also a major issue as due to the limited parking people park their cars or two wheelers where they
like and this creates choke points

Despite these shortcoming, Nehru Place continues to accommodate thousands of visitors and business owners or
employees. This highlights the resilience of the market and its importance in Delhi’s urban economy. But, this place is
in dire need of interventions to enhance the quality of the space and improve its functionality.

2.3 Identified Urban problems

Based on the Preliminary site visits and observations we identified the major urban problems in the market which is a
result of its declining urban quality.

A.Pedestrian Mobility and Safety:

 Pedestrian path are overcrowded, poorly maintained, and often blocked by vendors or parked vehicles.
 Lack of adequate signage makes navigation confusing for visitors.
 Daytime the market is busy but at night it becomes deserted with no proper lighting causing safety issues

B.Congestion and Encroachment:

 The market is congested due to confused vehicular and pedestrian flow which results in chaos.
 Informal vending space encroachment also occupies a lot of circulation space which results in congestion.

C.Cleanliness and Visual Quality:

 The pedestrian spaces are poorly maintained with overflowing garbage and spitting.
 There are no or very less dustbins due to which people throw garbage in open.
 Absence of shaded areas and public seating makes the market unwelcoming.
 The whole space lacks character with dilapidated buildings falling into disrepair.

D.Governance Gaps:

 Despite being a planned commercial hub, Nehru Place lacks coordinated management with no umbrella
organization to coordinate other governing bodies which makes the working inefficient and also result in
blame game.

These interlinked issues point toward a declining quality of public space—where infrastructure exists but is either
insufficient or poorly maintained, and where informal practices, though essential for livelihoods, create significant
conflicts with the planned design.
So, we narrowed down a specific urban problem which we tried to investigate - pedestrian mobility and safety as
well as the visual quality and overall ambience of the Nehru Place market.
 2.4 Objectives of the study

1.To assess the present condition of pedestrian mobility and safety in Nehru Place market, with a focus on
identifying challenges related to footpath design and maintenance, wayfinding systems, and congestion.

2.To evaluate the visual quality and overall ambiance of Nehru Place market, considering factors such as
cleanliness, signage, maintenance of public spaces, and the aesthetic appeal.

4.Nehru place market Circulation Plan, Year 2014| Source : ICLEI, South Asia and Shakti Foundation

5.Nehru place market Landscape Plan, Year 2013-14| Source : Dept. of Landscape , SPA Delhi
2.5 Research questions
To address the identified urban problem, the study focuses on the following questions:

1.How do visitors perceive pedestrian mobility and safety of Nehru Place?

2.What are the main issues in creating a comfortable and navigable pedestrian environment?

3.How does the visual quality influence visitor experience and satisfaction?

4.How can design interventions and governance measure improve this market?

These questions will guide us in data collections and analysis by focusing on lived experiences of owners or
employees and visitors, which will be critical in identifying better solutions.

3.RESEARCH METHODOLOGY :

3.1 Research design

The study adopted a mixed-method approach to capture both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the urban
challenges at Nehru Place. While online and in person questionnaires provided structured data, direct observations
and field notes offered contextual insights into everyday functioning of the market. While surveys and questionnaires
provided structured, measurable data on user perceptions, direct observations and field notes offered contextual
insights into the everyday functioning of the market.

3.2 Primary Data collection methods

Three key methods were employed:

1.Online Questionnaires

 Distributed digitally to reach a wide audience of students, professionals, and frequent visitors of Nehru Place
 Helped capture general perceptions of mobility, safety, cleanliness, and ambience.
 Useful for respondents who could not be physically present at the site during data collection.

2.In-Person Questionnaires/Interviews

 Conducted directly at the site with visitors, shopkeepers, and employees.

 Enabled real-time responses while respondents were experiencing the site, ensuring more accurate
reflections.
 Also allowed clarification of questions and deeper probing where necessary.

3.Direct Observation and Field Notes

 Researchers recorded on-ground realities related to pedestrian movement, encroachment by vendors,

condition of footpaths, waste management practices, and signages.
 Observations provided evidence to support or contrast survey findings.
 Sketches and photographs were taken to document circulation patterns and problem areas.

3.3 Limitations of Data collection

While the methodology was effective in capturing a wide range of insights, certain limitations must be acknowledged:

 Sample size was modest (96 respondents), which, while sufficient for indicative findings, cannot fully
represent the entire user population of Nehru Place.
 Gender skew: The predominance of male respondents limited the diversity of perspectives, particularly
regarding safety and comfort.
 Reluctance of participants: Some visitors and vendors were hesitant to engage due to time constraints or
suspicion of surveys.
 Time constraints: The data collected was not at regular intervals or did not continue for a longer period of time

4.SAMPLING STRATEGY :
To capture diverse perspectives of Nehru Place users, a purposive and convenience sampling approach was adopted.
Respondents were selected from three major user groups:

 Visitors and Shoppers – individuals present in the market during site visits.
 Shopkeepers and Workers – those engaged in formal and informal economic activities.
 Visitors – contacted through online questionnaires to include frequent visitors who could not be reached in
person.

The final sample size consisted of 96 respondents, reflecting a mix of age groups, occupations, and gender (though
skewed toward males due to on-site participation challenges). While not statistically representative of the entire Nehru
Place population, this sample provided an indicative understanding of user experiences and perceptions. The strategy
ensured coverage of both on-ground immediacy (through in-person surveys) and broader accessibility (through online
forms), aligning with the study’s mixed-method design.

5.DATA ANALYSIS AND KEY FINDINGS :

The analysis presented in this section is based on data from 96 respondents gathered through online and in-person
questionnaires, supported by direct site observations and field notes. The findings reveal key patterns related to
demographics, pedestrian mobility, safety, visual quality, and overall ambience of Nehru Place.

5.1 Demographics and visiting pattern

• 96.9% of the people who visit Nehru place are from ages 18-35 years.

• Respondents: 96; mostly male (72 out of 96), predominantly students and working professionals who live in
Delhi.
• Most visit either once a year or once a month; the metro is the favored mode of arrival, followed by cars/two-
wheelers.

5.2 Pedestrian mobility and safety

• People found lack of signages or directions to located shops/offices. 65.6% said there were no signages in
the market at all.
• The ease of walking around Nehru Place is rated average to below average: only 6.2% rate walking as 'very
easy', while 21.9% rate it as 'easy', and 43.8% as 'neutral'.

• Footpath width and maintenance are significant issues: 50% say footpaths aren’t wide enough, and 78.1%
say they are not well maintained.
• Crowding is another challenge; 40.6% people rate walking areas as 'crowded'

• Encroachment is common: 31.3% report street vendors or parked vehicles 'always' block paths, and 28.1%
say 'often' or ‘sometimes’
• Daytime safety is generally acceptable—only one respondent feels very unsafe, while 40.6% rate safety as
'good', and 9.6% as 'very good'. However, nighttime safety declines sharply, with 3.1% respondents rating it
below average
5.3 Visual quality and ambience
The physical and sensory environment of Nehru Place was another area of significant dissatisfaction.

• Cleanliness is poor: 59.4% respondents rate public spaces as 'bad' or 'very bad', with only 3.1% positive
response.

• Almost 90.6 % people said that there are no seating space at all in the market.

• Almost 78.1% people said that there were no shaded area available in the market.
• The market's overall atmosphere is described as neutral — 62.5% rate it as 'neutral', 15.6% as 'unpleasant',
and only 3.1% as very pleasant.

• Noise is a persistent issue, with most responses falling between 'moderate' and 'high'.
5.4 Patterns and themes emerging from the data
The convergence of survey findings and field observations reveals three recurring themes:

1.Mismatch between Planned Design and Everyday Use

 Nehru Place was designed as a modern commercial complex, yet inadequate management has allowed
informal vending, encroachments, and poor maintenance to dominate.
 This reflects a broader urban challenge where formal planning frameworks fail to accommodate the realities of
informality in Indian cities.

2.Deteriorating Public Realm

 Cleanliness, seating, shading, and signage are either missing or poorly maintained.
 Users perceive the space as functional but unattractive, with very low satisfaction levels for its ambience.

3.Safety and Accessibility Gaps

 While daytime use is widespread, nighttime safety concerns (lighting, surveillance) restrict the vibrancy of the
market after dark.
 Accessibility is weakened by broken pavements, inadequate signage, and encroachment, despite excellent
metro connectivity.

5.5 Key findings summary

1.Pedestrian mobility is compromised by congestion, encroachment, and poor footpath conditions.

2.Cleanliness is consistently rated as inadequate, with waste disposal and maintenance cited as major gaps.

3.Amenities such as seating, shaded areas, and signage are almost entirely absent, reducing comfort and usability.

4.Safety is acceptable in the daytime but poor at night due to insufficient lighting and security presence.

5.Despite these shortcomings, Nehru Place remains attractive due to its affordability, connectivity, and specialization
in IT/electronics.

6.RECOMMENDATIONS AND DESIGN IMPLICATIONS :

The analysis highlights significant dissatisfaction among users regarding mobility, cleanliness, safety, and overall
ambience at Nehru Place. While the market functions as a vital economic hub, the lack of pedestrian-friendly
infrastructure and public amenities diminishes its effectiveness as a civic space. Based on the data and field
observations, the following recommendations are proposed.

6.1 Pedestrian infrastructure update

A.Findings linked:

Footpaths too narrow/poorly maintained; encroachments by vendors and vehicles; walking rated neutral/poor by
majority.

B.Recommendations:

 Widen and repair footpaths: Introduce continuous, accessible walkways with uniform paving, tactile tiles for
visually impaired users, and ramps for differently abled persons.
 Clear pedestrian corridors: Designate no-vending pedestrian-only zones during peak hours to ensure
smoother circulation.
 Improve crossings: Install raised pedestrian crossings, curb cuts, and bollards to regulate vehicular access.

C.Design Implication:

Prioritizing pedestrian movement would re-establish Nehru Place as a human-centric market rather than a congested
traffic-dominated zone.
6.2 Vendor and traffic management

A.Findings linked:

Vendors/vehicles frequently block pathways; congestion cited by majority.

B.Recommendations:

 Dedicated vending zones: Allocate specific vending clusters with infrastructure (stalls, waste bins, shaded
roofing). This legitimizes informal trade while reducing random encroachment.
 Time-based vending regulation: Allow flexible vending hours in less busy zones while keeping main circulation
paths clear.
 Traffic regulation: Restrict entry of private vehicles during peak hours, expand shared parking lots at
peripheries, and prioritize pedestrian and metro access.

C.Design Implication:

Vendor zones balance economic livelihoods with pedestrian flow, while regulated traffic creates a calmer, safer
environment.

6.3 Cleanliness and waste management

A.Findings linked:

Many respondents rated cleanliness as bad/very bad; dustbins either absent or poorly maintained.

B.Recommendations:

 Systematic waste disposal: Place dustbins at regular intervals with clear signage; adopt color-coded
segregation.
 Maintenance contracts: Outsource cleaning to accountable agencies with daily monitoring by municipal
authorities.
 Public awareness campaigns: Use signage and volunteer-driven campaigns to promote responsible disposal
practices.

C.Design Implication:

Cleanliness improvements not only enhance visual quality but also improve hygiene and attract more diverse users,
including families and women.

6.4 Wayfinding and signages

A.Findings linked:

65.6% respondents reported absence of signage; navigation difficult for new users.

B.Recommendations:

 Multilingual signage system: Install directional and shop-location boards in Hindi, English, and possibly other
local languages.
 Digital kiosks/maps: Provide touch-screen wayfinding kiosks at major entry points.
 Shop numbering system: Standardize building and shop numbering for easy navigation.

C.Design Implication:

Wayfinding enhances legibility of the market, reduces confusion, and distributes footfall more evenly.
6.5 Public realm enhancement
A.Findings linked:

90.6% said no seating exists; 78.1% noted no shaded areas; atmosphere rated neutral/unpleasant by majority.

B.Recommendations:

 Shaded seating areas: Introduce pergolas, tree plantations, and benches in plazas and courtyards.
 Lighting improvements: Install LED streetlights and façade lighting to enhance nighttime safety.
 Aesthetic upgrades: Uniform floor finishes, façade regulation, and greenery to create a visually cohesive
environment.
 Noise management: Restrict vehicle horns and promote sound-buffering through landscaping.

C.Design Implication:

A welcoming public realm transforms Nehru Place from merely a commercial hub into a vibrant, inclusive civic space.

6.6 Governance and Policy integration

A.Findings linked:

Governance gaps reflected in poor maintenance, lack of coordinated management.

B.Recommendations:

 An Umbrella organization : Establish a Nehru Place Market Management Committee by including

representatives from DDA, MCD, vendor associations, and shopkeepers as stakeholders.
 Integration with urban missions: Link improvements to Smart Cities Mission and Delhi Master Plan 2041 for
funding and policy alignment.
 Public participation: Encourage citizen feedback platforms (mobile apps, kiosks) to monitor ongoing
improvements.

C.Design Implication:

A governance framework ensures long-term sustainability of interventions, avoiding the cycle of neglect.

7.REFLECTIONS :
Working on Nehru Place turned out to be both demanding and eye-opening. At first glance, the market looked like just
another crowded commercial district, full of IT shops and informal vendors. But once we began collecting data
systematically, the hidden layers of how people actually experience the space started to come through.

The toughest part was definitely gathering primary data. Online questionnaires were easier since they reached a
larger group, but doing surveys on site was much more complicated. Many visitors were in a rush and unwilling to
stop, and some vendors were skeptical about why we were asking questions in the first place. Another limitation was
the gender balance of responses — most of the participants ended up being men, which meant that concerns specific
to women, especially related to safety and comfort, were harder to capture.

Even with these hurdles, the study turned out to be a valuable learning journey. It gave us practice in framing and
refining questionnaires, combining numbers with narratives while analyzing, and, most importantly, connecting survey
insights back to urban design ideas.

8.CONCLUSION :

Nehru Place was originally planned as a modern commercial hub, but over the years it has grown into India’s most
prominent marketplace for IT and electronics. Despite this success, the area struggles with several urban issues.
Feedback from field surveys highlights common concerns: narrow and broken footpaths that make walking
uncomfortable, confusing signage, too few seating spots or shaded areas, and ineffective systems for waste and
cleanliness. While the space feels reasonably safe during the day, inadequate lighting and limited surveillance make it
less secure after dark.
To address these challenges, a mix of practical measures is needed. Better-designed pedestrian networks, clearer
signage, structured management of vendors and traffic, and stronger waste-handling systems could go a long way.
Adding greenery, public seating, and improved lighting would enhance the overall experience, while consistent
governance would ensure changes last.

At its core, Nehru Place shows how markets are more than just spaces of commerce — they are vital public realms
that shape daily urban life. If regenerated through thoughtful design, inclusive policy, and community participation, it
could serve as a model for similar market redevelopments across Delhi and beyond.

9.BIBLIOGRAPHY :

 Delhi Development Authority (DDA). (1962). Master Plan for Delhi. New Delhi: DDA.
 Delhi Development Authority (DDA). (2021). Master Plan for Delhi–2041 (Draft). New Delhi: DDA.
 Google Earth. (2024). Nehru Place Precinct and Study Area, Delhi. Retrieved from https://earth.google.com
 School of Planning and Architecture, Department of Landscape. (2013–2014). Nehru Place Market
Landscape Plan. New Delhi: SPA Delhi.
 ICLEI South Asia & Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation. (2014). Circulation Plan for Nehru Place Market.
New Delhi: ICLEI-SA.
 Shaktinagar, V. (2020). “Public Space Quality in Delhi’s District Centres.” Journal of Urban Design Studies,
15(2), 45–58.
 Sharma, R., & Kumar, A. (2019). “Informality and Planned Commercial Hubs: The Case of Nehru Place.”
Economic and Political Weekly, 54(32), 62–70.
 Tiwari, G. (2017). Urban Mobility and Public Spaces in Indian Cities. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.

10.APPENDICES :

10.1 Appendix A – Survey Questionaire

Section A – Demographic study

2.Pedestrian mobility and safety
3.Visual quality and ambience
4.Open Ended Feedback
10.2 Appendix B – Informal interviews

Interview 1

Participants: Research Team (3 members) and Respondent Group – Four Visually Impaired Street Performers
Date: 20.08.2025

Interviewer (Research Team): Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We’re trying to understand how
different people experience this market space. Could you tell us a little about how you move around here?

Respondent A: We come here often to play music, so we know the space quite well. We use our walking sticks to
navigate, especially on the stairs.

Respondent B: It is not always easy. There are no tactile pavings or special paths for people like us. We manage
because we are used to moving with sticks, but it does take effort.

Interviewer: What are the main challenges you face in Nehru Place?

Respondent C: Crossing the road is very hard. There is too much traffic, and no one really stops for us. It feels risky
every time.

Respondent D: Also, the pathways are uneven. Sometimes there are open drains, broken tiles, or vendors in the
way. It becomes confusing and unsafe.

Interviewer: Do you feel that the market has any infrastructure that supports people with disabilities?

Respondent B: Not really. There are no tactile tiles, no audio signals, no ramps. We just adjust with what is there.

Respondent A: If there were tactile paths or clear signs, it would help not only blind people but many others too.

Interviewer: What changes would make this space easier for you?

Respondent C: Tactile flooring on stairs and along main walking paths.

Respondent D: Proper pedestrian crossings with sound signals.
Respondent A: And keeping the pathways free from vehicles and vendors would make a big difference.

Interviewer: Do you still find Nehru Place accessible enough to keep coming back?

Respondent B: We come here because this is where we earn our livelihood. We know how to manage, but it is not
comfortable or safe.

Respondent A (closing remark): Accessibility should not mean that we “adjust.” It should mean the place is
designed for everyone.

Interview 2

Location: Nehru Place Amphitheatre, inside the plaza

Participants: Research Team (3 members) and Respondents – Members of Nehru Place Traders/Vendors
Association
Date: 12.08.2025

Interviewer (Research Team): We noticed that the amphitheatre area is being decorated for Independence Day.
Could you tell us a bit about the role of your association in the market?
Respondent A: Yes, we are part of the market’s Traders and Vendors Association. We try to coordinate events, put
up decorations, and maintain some order in the market. On occasions like Independence Day, we organize cultural
programs, patriotic music, and community gatherings.

Respondent B: The association also raises issues with the authorities when there are complaints about cleanliness,
safety, or facilities. But it’s not always easy to get things done.

Interviewer: From your perspective, what are the major problems in the market right now? Also why is this plaza so
quiet when there is crowd in almost all the area.

Respondent A: Safety is the biggest concern. Nehru Place has two plazas — one is very crowded during the day with
electronics and mobile shops while this plaza has textile shops so only handful of people come here.

Respondent C: The textile side is especially problematic. During the day it’s quieter compared to the electronics side.
But at night, after about 7 or 7:30, the entire plaza becomes dark because there are hardly any streetlights.

Interviewer: And how does this affect the people who visit or work here?

Respondent B: People don’t feel safe. There have been incidents of snatching — wallets, chains, bags. It’s worse in
the textile plaza because there is less activity after dark.

Respondent C: Exactly. Even shopkeepers feel uncomfortable staying late because of the lack of lighting and
security presence.

Interview 3

Location: Nehru Place Market, Main spine between the plazas

Participants: Research Team (3 members) and Respondents – Informal Vendors
Date: 20.08.2025

Interviewer (Research Team): Thank you for speaking with us. Could you tell us a little about your experience of
vending in Nehru Place?

Respondent A: We have been selling here for many years, but we don’t have any formal registration. We are part of
the market because the Traders Association sometimes includes us, but officially we are considered “informal.”

Respondent B: This means we are always worried about being removed. We don’t know how long we can stay on a
given day.

Interviewer: Do the authorities interfere with your vending activities?

Respondent A: Yes. The police come here from time to time. We often have to pay them hafta [weekly bribe] to be
allowed to sit here.

Respondent C: Even after paying, sometimes they still remove us. If orders come from higher officials, then no matter
what we do, we have to leave.

Interviewer: Could you explain what happened on the day we visited, before Independence Day celebrations?

Respondent B: That day, the police told us to pack up early because there were preparations for Independence Day.
Around 2 p.m., we all started folding our things and leaving. This happens every year — for two or three days before
the 15th of August, we are asked to move.

Respondent C: Sometimes our goods get damaged or confiscated when the officials clear the area. It is a big loss for
us because we earn very little each day.

Interviewer: How does this affect your livelihood?

Respondent A: It makes our work very uncertain. We never know when we might be asked to leave. Even when we
pay money, it does not guarantee safety.
10.3 Appendix C – Site Photographs

Figure 1 : On road car parking which creates Figure 2 : The main market area Figure 3 : Informal vendor spaces
problems for pedestrians to access the
sidewalk

Figure 4 : Amphitheater area in the plaza Figure 5 : Vendor randomly

occupying the space
Figure 6 : Vendor randomly occupying the Figure 7 : Barricading by the police which Figure 8 : Confused pedestrian flow in the
pedestrian space kind of creates a disconnect market

Figure 9 : The character of the building is really bad and the hoarding are put up abrubtly
10.4 Appendix D – Open ended questionnaire answers