Connaught Place will go car-free on October 4 for Rahgiri Day, with the inner circle closed to vehicles for the event.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is organising the event, which turns the commercial hub into a pedestrian zone with activities for all ages.

Rahgiri Day, inspired by similar "open streets" movements worldwide, lets residents walk, cycle and play in spaces normally dominated by traffic.

The NDMC has also hinted at a bigger idea: making the Inner Circle permanently vehicle-free. Officials say the proposal is at the discussion stage.

A permanent car-free Connaught Place would be a landmark change for Delhi. The area is one of the capital's busiest commercial districts, with heavy footfall and chronic parking problems.

Traders have mixed views. Some welcome the idea, saying pedestrian zones boost shopping. Others worry about access for customers and deliveries.

Similar experiments in other Indian cities have had mixed results. Success depends on public transport links and last-mile connectivity.

For October 4, visitors can expect road closures around the Inner Circle from morning. The NDMC will announce traffic diversions shortly.