Small markets to be rebuilt into shopping centres

Around 38 small decrepit markets located in areas such as Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Azad Market and Roshanara Road might get a makeover with the north municipal corporation planning to build shopping complexes in their place.

Around 38 small decrepit markets located in areas such as Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Azad Market and Roshanara Road might get a makeover with the north municipal corporation planning to build shopping complexes in their place.

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Some of these markets were transferred to the unified MCD in 2006 from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) and the Directorate of Estates of the Union government. The corporation was supposed to redevelop these markets.

“We have passed the proposal to redevelop the markets but are yet to work out the models and designs for the shops. The complexes will greatly benefit markets and shopkeepers who are not being able to maintain them at present. Many of these markets are crumbling and need immediate attention,” said Mahender Nagpal, leader of the House.

Civic body officials said that building shopping complexes will fulfill two purposes. It will give a better earning capacity to the existing shopkeepers who will be given shops in new buildings and secondly the space will be utilised.

“Many new shops that will be created will give opportunities to others also. There will be a basement parking in each of the new buildings,” said a senior official.

The 38 markets under consideration are situated in areas such as Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Azad Market, Roshanara Road, Patel Nagar, Old and

New Rajendra Nagar, Rani Jhansi Market, Desbandhu Gupta Market and Ramesh Nagar, among others.