The Kejriwal Government has stepped up its ambitious plans to revitalise and transform five major markets in the city. The government aims to give Kamla Nagar, Khari Baoli, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Kirti Nagar a global identity and enhance the overall shopping experience for residents and visitors. Lajpat Nagar, Khari Baoli, Kirti Nagar, and Kamla Nagar will be redeveloped in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), while the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been roped in for the revamp of Sarojini Nagar.
The primary objective of this redevelopment initiative is to transform these markets into beautiful and clean public spaces that will not only uplift the aesthetic appeal but also enhance the shopping experience for customers. The project is set to revamp infrastructure, improve accessibility, and upgrade amenities, all aimed at creating an environment that fosters growth and economic prosperity.
Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the market redevelopment project on Wednesday. The meeting saw the presence of Industries Minister Shri Saurabh Bhardwj and key government officials to discuss the plans, challenges, and timelines associated with the ambitious undertaking. The CM expressed his commitment to ensuring that the project is executed efficiently and transparently, leaving no stone unturned to deliver the promised transformation. He also highlighted the importance of local needs and stated that all the 5 retail hubs will be redeveloped and beautified as per their specific requirements, ensuring that they remain true to their local essence while embracing a modern outlook.
In the review meeting, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal noted that out of the five markets selected, the majority of the area in Lajpat Nagar, Khari Baoli, Kirti Nagar, and Kamla Nagar falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Therefore, he directed that the MCD be appointed as the executing agency for the redevelopment of these markets. On the other hand, the redevelopment and beautification of Sarojini Nagar market will be carried out in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The primary design for these markets is being prepared by expert architects.
All the markets will be made beautiful and clean so that people can have a pleasant shopping experience. The CM also noted that the final design of the market will be determined through a competition, in which renowned architects from India and around the world will participate.
Delhi is home to several popular and prestigious markets (such as Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Chandni Chowk, etc.), which have always been a pride of the city. Today, these traditional and renowned markets in Delhi require redevelopment and other amenities so that people can feel a sense of belonging and safety while shopping in these markets. The Delhi Government plans to establish these markets in a way that people feel proud to shop in Delhi’s prestigious markets, not only across the country but also abroad. If there is even a slight improvement in the business of these markets with the government’s support, it can create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. While the Delhi government has done so in Chandni Chowk, there is a need to redevelop all popular and prestigious markets in Delhi. Keeping this in mind, the Delhi government announced this initiative under the Rozgaar Budget 2022-23. Under this plan, the government will transform five prestigious markets in Phase 1.
The physical infrastructure of these selected markets, such as roads, sewage, electricity, parking, etc., will be redeveloped. The branding of the markets will be done, and a unique brand will be developed for these markets. Their marketing will be done within and outside Delhi so that customers feel proud to shop in Delhi’s prestigious markets.
The project implementation will take place as per the following plan —
- Coordination among various authorities – The Urban Development Department has entrusted the Municipal Corporation with the responsibility of bringing all departments/authorities under one roof and leading the implementation of this plan.
- Partnership with Market Associations – Several meetings have been organised with Market Associations to ensure their active participation and ownership in the process of better distribution of responsibilities and ownership.
- Design Competition – A design competition will be initiated for each market to identify the best “Out of the Box Ideas” for revitalising the market. A unique brand will be created by developing the market based on its main USP. A unique market campaign will be developed for each market.
Revitalization of these five markets will be done as per the following parameters — Kamla Nagar will be redeveloped as a Youth Hangout Zone. Khari Baoli will be redeveloped on the lines of its inheritance from the old Mughal Empire and that the finest spices from around the world are available here. Lajpat Nagar as a high-end street fashion, ideal destination for wedding shopping and a one-stop destination for jewellery, clothing, and footwear. Sarojini Nagar as a fast fashion and latest trendsetting street market (Market for everything, everyone’s market). Kirti Nagar as a one-stop-shop for furniture and home decor.
Now, within six weeks, a design competition will be initiated for each of these prestigious markets so that India, foreign countries, and various architectural or urban design firms can provide better and out-of-the-box ideas. The best architectural teams will be appointed within 12 weeks to commence the redevelopment of these five prestigious markets.
Along with the appointment of architectural firms, the project implementation will be carried out in multiple packages. Architects will quickly identify the works to be done under the comprehensive redevelopment and redesign plan for the selected markets. The Market Associations of these five markets have already been included, who have committed to unconditional support for the initial implementation of the projects and subsequent maintenance.
