The Delhi government stated on Monday that five main marketplaces in the national capital, Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Khari Baoli, and Kirti Nagar, will be redeveloped.
_____________________________________________________________________
The Delhi government announced on Monday that it will redevelop five key markets in the national capital – Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Khari Baoli, and Kirti Nagar – in a major move to boost the local economy at a time when the country is still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic-induced slowdown.
The move would help struggling businesses and create thousands of jobs in the country, which is currently grappling with a high unemployment rate. These marketplaces are in prime locations around Delhi, attracting thousands of tourists daily.
The Kamla Nagar market is a popular hangout spot for young people, while Khari Baoli is known for high-quality spices and Mughal-era souvenirs. The Lajpat Nagar market is noted as a one-stop-shop for wedding planners and as a high-end high-street fashion centre. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a virtual speech on Monday that the Sarojini Nagar market is known for its quick fashion lines. In contrast, the Kirti Nagar market is a renowned destination for furniture and home décor.
He added that the five markets had been chosen for Phase 1 of the market reconstruction program, which the Delhi government announced in its annual budget for 2022-23. Other main marketplaces in the capital will be redeveloped as well.
The five marketplaces, according to Kejriwal, would be renovated with world-class designs.
The Delhi government will now organize a design competition, inviting architects and the general public to submit proposals. The tournament's timetable is scheduled to be released in a few weeks, with the competition occurring within the following six weeks.
"The finest ideas will be chosen, and the five markets will be reconstructed in such a manner that they will draw more people from all over the nation and the world," says the statement. It would create jobs when unemployment is a major concern, "Kejriwal remarked."
After consulting with market groups, the chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener stated his administration chose the five marketplaces. The government solicited bids from all markets and then organized an eight-member selection committee composed of government officials. and traders to pick five significant areas for reconstruction as part of the 'Rozgar Budget 2022–23."
The group chose nine marketplaces to tour, meet with stakeholders, and determine the magnitude and scope of reconstruction before recommending these five choices.
According to an official, the choice to choose the five markets was influenced by several variables. "Among the selection factors were unique selling characteristics, footfall, the scale of the company, existing municipal infrastructure, income creation, heritage value, and parking space."
"These five marketplaces are popular not only in Delhi but throughout the NCR, and their rehabilitation has enormous potential for job creation," said an official who did not want to be identified.