Khan Market all set for a face job

It’s the age to look good. Nose jobs and liposuction are common.

It’s the age to look good. Nose jobs and liposuction are common.

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Our uptown Khan Market, however, is not satisfied with a simple nip and tuck.
It has opted for a complete face transplant. And the bosses at the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) office are happy to comply.

Not surprising, considering the big stud that everybody’s been waiting for — 2010 Commonwealth Games, the second biggest sporting event after the Olympics — is all set to make a grand entry next year.

Located in the heart of the city, Khan Market — among the world's top 20 shopping streets — was in a dire need for repair, with traders consistently raising concerns about the crumbling infrastructure for a long time.

The civic body on Wednesday gave the green signal to the project, which is slated to be completed within nine months.

The facelift will include installation of new improved modern signages, concretizing the walkway, beautifying the verandah, installation of modern street furniture and improving the parking lots.

"There has been a constant demand from traders to improve the environs of the market," said a senior NDMC official. "A clearance has been given to Phase-I of the project, which will involve improvements in carriageways and putting up discipline shop/building signages besides other developmental works."

The NDMC will reconstruct the floor using sandblasted granite after receiving a number of complaints from women shoppers who tripped while shopping.

The traders and shopkeepers of the market have welcomed the move.

"Footpaths that were built way back in 1975 were in a desperate need of repair. We are glad the NDMC is fast-tracking the project," said Sanjeev Mehra, president of Khan Market Traders Association.

"The market was crumbling. The drains are also being redeveloped to stop them from getting clogged, as is the case now."

Visitors flocking the market will easily find a place to rest, with installation of new sleek street furniture to merge with the surrounding of the area.

“We will hold a meeting with the concerned stakeholders to decide on the street furniture. We will also be installing modern streetlights that willl merge with the surroundings,”
the official said.

According to NDMC, the entire restoration project has been divided into two phases.
The phase I of the project will cost Rs 1.60 crore.

“We are also planning to construct a common utility duct as is being done in Connaught place through which all electricity cables, sewerage lines, wires etc will pass,” he said.

“This will put an end to the practise of digging up the roads for every little thing.”