Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, made big announcements about the capital’s five major marketplaces on Monday. He claimed the Delhi markets of Kamla Nagar, Khari Baoli, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Kirti Nagar will be renovated to make them “world class.” On June 13, Kejriwal made the news in a video address.
According to Kejriwal, Delhi has numerous well-known markets, each with its own uniqueness and tale to tell. He estimates that there are about three and a half lakh shops in Delhi, and about eight lakh people work there.
Listing the famous markets chosen for development across Delhi, Kejriwal added, “We have finalised the names of five markets to be redeveloped in the first phase. We have also listed out their USPs. Kamla Nagar, for instance, is a youth hangout zone, Khari Baoli is known for the best spices.”
The Delhi Chief Minister tweeted a video of his live address, saying, “With the new identity, the markets of Delhi will now move towards progress. Important announcement regarding big markets of Delhi.” Watch it here:
He added that there will be a design competition to finalise the redevelopment plan.
“The next step would be a design competition in which the country’s best designers and architects will participate. We will announce this design competition in the next six weeks. These markets will be redeveloped on the basis of best designs from the competition,” Kejriwal said. However, he did not reveal the competition’s details or modalities.
The reconstruction, according to the chief minister, would not only increase footfall and business at these markets, but will also help create jobs. He also stated that as part of the reconstruction plan, market roads will be improved, sewer and water lines will be streamlined, and the markets will be beautified.
The government issued an advertisement on April 22 seeking market groups to submit applications for market renovation.
As many as 49 traders’ associations from 33 markets showed interest, he said. “We had formed an eight-member selection committee that screened the applications and shortlisted nine markets out of which five were picked for the redevelopment,” Kejriwal said.
Representatives from the School of Planning and Architecture, the Public Works Department, the Delhi Jal Board, and two traders’ organisations were on the selection committee, he said.
The panel was chaired by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation’s main project manager.
According to the Delhi government, Rs 100 crore has been set aside for the scheme in the fiscal year 2022-23, with 1.5 lakh job possibilities expected.
According to the Delhi government, Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme in the fiscal year 2022-23, with 1.5 lakh job possibilities expected.