Delhi’s South Ex markets set for revamp ahead of G20

The plan is part of a wider beautification project being undertaken across the city, which will host G20-related meetings starting from February till the summit meeting in September.

markets at South Extension Part-1 and Part-2 are set for a makeover as part of the G20 Summit-related preparations currently underway in the national capital, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

Advertisement boards at South Extension Market in Delhi. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Archive)

The plan is part of a wider beautification project being undertaken across the city, which will host G20-related meetings starting from February till the summit meeting in September.

A senior municipal official said the civic body and other agencies undertook a joint survey of South Ex on November 16, and they will work towards rejuvenating the road network, drainage system and aesthetics of the South Ex markets, as well as improve mobility around the twin commercial hubs.

According to the official, the joint survey found damaged roads, as well as issues related to drains, encroached footpaths, improper signages and informatory boards, while traffic mobility at the service road along the main Ring Road needs to be reworked.

A five-month timeline has been fixed for these tasks.

“As per preliminary estimates, ₹57 lakh may be spent on road improvement, ₹30.33 lakh on beautification and improvement of sideberms, ₹15 lakh on development of the back lanes, and ₹14.6 lakh on the improvement of footpaths,” a second official said, adding that a new drainage system is likely to cost ₹38.51 crore.

“MCD will also be undertaking large-scale wall painting projects in the vicinity of the markets, and historic places near the market will be illuminated using facade lighting,” the official said.

Another official said the Public Works Department (PWD) has been asked to redevelop and beautify the space underneath the NDSE flyover, while the MCD will install flowering plants in the market. “The market also has a waterlogging point near coaching centres, for which PWD will be undertaking gradient improvement,” the third official said.