The Hindu : Markets to get a facelift

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003

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Markets to get a facelift

By Sandeep Joshi

NEW DELHI APRIL 22. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has embarked upon an ambitious project to upgrade and beautify half-a-dozen markets falling in Lutyens' Delhi. Through its latest initiative, the civic body hopes to attract tourists as well as shoppers who have been looking for picturesque markets set in serene environment.

Till now, the Council just had Connaught Place as one of the best and sprawling market places in the Capital. Situated right in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place is one of the oldest market which was built by the British. It is only the Khan Market near Chanakyapuri which has developed into a bustling market place over the years, thanks to the diplomatic community living around it. However, other markets in Lutyens' Delhi have remained neglected.

Now the NDMC, by spending crores of rupees, hopes to bring about a much-needed change in the remaining markets which are still very popular among residents. Starting from the Malcha Marg market, the civic body is all set to undertake a major revamp of other markets.

These include the Shankar Market, the Gole Market, the Prithviraj Road Market, the Pandara Road Market and the Khan Market.

The markets will have aesthetically designed footpaths and pavements whereby giving shoppers an exclusive pedestrian zone to roam around in an exquisitely landscaped environs. To give a soothing and relaxed look, flower-beds and hedges will be developed and comfortable benches will be installed.

The shopping arenas will have new lights and fountains while artistic iron railings will also be put up.

Besides providing a uniform look to these markets and decongesting them, the NDMC will be developing parking areas for visitors by installing "grass paver'' tiles, which do not restrict groundwater recharging.

Installation of attractive signages for the convenience of shoppers has also been planned.

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