Work on refurbishment of three prime market spaces in south Delhi, including Nehru Place, is likely to begin soon as the area’s civic body has handed over their upkeep to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The commercial centres to be renovated under the plan are: Nehru Place, Bhikaji Cama Place and Basant Lok Market. Sources said about ₹80 crore has been allocated for the project, with ₹55 crore for the renovation of Nehru Place.
Path clear
“The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has handed over the areas to us and work is likely to begin soon. The Union Urban Development Ministry has given in-principle approval to the projects and the DDA has also got the no-objection certificate from the corporation,” a senior DDA official said.
As part of the refurbishment, the DDA will repair the facade of the buildings, develop piazzas, renovate pavements, fix toilets and build new ones and build pedestrian pathways.
Nehru Place is one of the busiest markets in the Capital. The location of an eponymous metro station contributes to the footfall.
Urban spaces
Bhikaji Cama Place, located on the Ring Road, houses corporate offices and a big market. Basant Lok Market in Vasant Vihar is one of the oldest markets in Delhi and is known for its restaurants.
“The SDMC is not in a position to maintain them, so they have handed them over to us. These markets in a way also are the face of our urban spaces. And, even foreign visitors go there, so they need refurbishment,” the DDA official added.
Once work in Nehru Place is finalised, the DDA will start work at Bhikaji Cama and Basant Lok. Redevelopment of Basant Lok Market has been under consideration for a long time and traders have been running from pillar to post to get the work done.
