Project description
In the mid-1970s, a ring railway was established for long-distance freight, circumscribing the extent of New Delhi at the time. Further extension of the passenger rail service commenced in 1982 but was not integrated with other transit systems and has therefore been underutilized. Due to the growth of the city, the rail corridor now lies within the urban zone. The Changing Tracks: Re-imagining the Delhi Ring Rail project converts this spatial resource from a restricted mono-use barrier into a multi-use civic and traffic space within the urban fabric. The concept provides space for informal street vending that is increasingly marginalized by the sprawling motorized traffic network and adaptively reuses existing structures including platforms and stations. The redefined space dedicated to pedestrian and bicycle traffic slows down transit speed and brings together street vendors and clients and supports the vibrant street life which is an integral part of Indian culture. This is strengthened by an IT concept providing an information cloud that allows exchange among participants and recreates the tradition of word-of-mouth communication in a modern context.
Comment of the Holcim Awards jury Asia Pacific
The jury acknowledges this project due to its beneficial approach on several levels. Technically, it contributes to attenuate pressing traffic problems by offering space for alternative modes of transportation. Socially, it encourages the establishment of cooperatives, which improve the conditions of people within the informal sector. On the urban level it creates spaces of high amenity value. These essences are widely transferable and the exemplary information cloud component completes the overall sustainable concept.