Lodhi Market gets a new look

The neglected Lodhi Market has got a much-needed makeover ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October. Constructed way back in 1945, this market — famous for its cloth shops — has been in a very bad condition for years because of poor upkeep.

The neglected Lodhi Market has got a much-needed makeover ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October. Constructed way back in 1945, this market — famous for its cloth shops — has been in a very bad condition for years because of poor upkeep.

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According to New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) officials, the market has been renovated at a cost of Rs 1 crore.

“The redevelopment work of the market includes restoration of outer facade of shops, uniform shop signboards, improved flooring, revamped lighting, and making other necessary changes to give an uniform look to the building’s exterior instead of the present haphazard arrangement,” said a senior NDMC official.

The traders are quite happy.

“The market was in dire need of help. Earlier, the height of the verandah was uneven. After the restoration work, it is easier to walk. Also there is uniformity in terms of material used for the verandah which looks good,” said Jaswant Rai Grover, a trader of the market.

“This is the first time we are renovating this market. The market had become quite shabby. Keeping the Games in mind, as the market is quite close to the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, we decided to renovate it,” added the official.

The façade of the market has been renovated and the wooden windows have been replaced with aluminium windows to give an aesthetic look.

The market consists of two blocks with a few flats on the first floor. There are 32 shops. Uniform signages have been provided to each shop.

The agency has used granite for the floor of the verandas and sandstone for the pavements.