Revitalizing Shahjahanabad: Assessing Physical Infrastructure Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

Shahjahanabad, Delhi’s historic core, faces severe infrastructure challenges due to rapid urbanization, including traffic congestion, inadequate drainage, inconsistent water supply, and inefficient waste management. The city’s aging infrastructure struggles to support its growing population while preserving its historical integrity. This study employs a multi-method approach—spatial analysis, field observations, and stakeholder surveys—to assess road networks, drainage systems, water supply, and public utilities. Findings reveal that encroachments, poor maintenance, and outdated infrastructure exacerbate urban inefficiencies, causing congestion, frequent flooding, and poor sanitation. A comparative analysis with other historic Indian cities underscores Shahjahanabad’s critical deficiencies. To address these issues, sustainable interventions such as pedestrianization, smart drainage solutions, modernized waste management, and enhanced public utilities are proposed. The research advocates for a heritage-sensitive infrastructure renewal strategy, ensuring modernization preserves the city’s historic identity while improving livability and urban functionality. This approach aims to balance heritage conservation with the demands of a growing urban population.