The Hindu : New Delhi News : Palika Bazaar to be re-developed into mall

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 07, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Palika Bazaar to be re-developed into mall

Manisha Jha

‘The market will soon get four escalators which will be installed at the entrance’
Plan to refurbish its air-conditioning system, lighting system and flooring

NEW DELHI: After Janpath and Yusuf Zai market it is now the turn of Palika Bazaar to don a new look this New Year.

According to the New Delhi Municipal Council official, the market will soon get four escalators which will be installed at the entrance and the central hall. In addition, shops in the market would be re-developed according to the zone in which they are located.

“Shops in the market have been allotted zones and we plan to re-develop them according to the zone they come under,” said the official.

Built in 1978, the market comprising 390 shops is considered a one-stop-shop destination for those on the lookout for cheap bargains on electronic goods and related accessories.

The estimated budget for the project has been pegged at Rs. 10 crore and is expected to be complete by this December.

The Palika Bazaar Market Association general secretary, Dinesh Walia, said: “Acting on the recommendations of the Chief Minister’s Committee constituted for re-development of Palika Bazaar recently, we were shown the layout plan for the market in presence of the NDMC civil engineer and architect. We are now meeting them soon for a review and feedback session on it.”

The market is also hoping to refurbish its air-conditioning system, lighting system and flooring in order to give it an international look resembling a modern mall.

Mr. Walia said: “We are demanding that the existing roof be changed and a water purification system and a new air-conditioning plant be installed since the running old plant has long outlived its life. After all we pay a license fee of Rs. 55 lakh per month to the NDMC and want it to plan the markets up-gradation on the lines of an international modern mall.”

“Though nothing has been done so far for the market’s re-development, the civic body is now acting due to pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office,” added Mr Walia.

Security system

Not stopping at re-development alone, the Association is also taking strong measures to overhaul the security system in the market. On their demand, a new move to install closed-circuit televisions in the market was approved by the NDMC in December 2007.

In addition, the Association is also planning the install X-ray machines at the market entrance.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi