Kuljit Chahal Vice Chairman, New Delhi Municipal Council inspects Khan Market, announces key development works

Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief - Delhi

In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision to modernize urban spaces and improve public amenities, Shri Kuljit Singh Chahal, Vice Chairman, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) inspected Khan Market. Soon after the inspection, he held a review meeting with Market Traders (MTAs), Council Secretary, Council Officers and heads of concerned departments at Palika Kendra, New Delhi today. Chahal announced several key initiatives to improve infrastructure and cleanliness of Khan Market during his visit:- Night Cleaning Initiative: Under the Swachhata model of Hon'ble Prime Minister's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Chahal informed that a cleaning and washing drive has been launched in Khan Market. Starting today, the market will be washed with water every night between 1:00 AM to 4:00 AM, keeping the area completely clean and ready for shops to open. He said that the Municipal Corporation has become the first municipal body in Delhi to implement such a comprehensive initiative. This initiative will be a model for other municipal bodies. To ensure that this work is not hindered, the competent authorities of the Public Health Department have deployed the necessary sanitation workers.

* New Women Toilet Block: In view of the inadequate facilities of public toilets in Khan Market, Mr Chahal announced the construction of a new, state-of-the-art women toilet block. This toilet will include essential facilities such as sanitary vending machines, feeding rooms, and diaper changing stations. This initiative is part of the Municipal Corporation's commitment to create inclusive and accessible public spaces. Mr Chahal also gave appropriate instructions to repair the already constructed toilet blocks during his inspection.

* Thermoplastic Retro-reflective Walkway: Mr Chahal informed that NDMC will soon develop a thermoplastic retro-reflective walkway in Khan Market. This innovative and colourful walkway will have a retro-reflective surface to enhance safety, especially at night, which will improve visibility. This walkway will not only improve pedestrian traffic but will also contribute to the aesthetics of the market and will be durable and low maintenance cost in the long term.

* Improvement of back lanes and garbage bins: Mr Chahal directed the municipal authorities to prioritise the repair of the back lanes of Khan Market, which were found to be in poor condition. Also, all the garbage bins in the area will be replaced with new and more durable bins, which will keep the environment clean and orderly.

* Uniformity in name plates of shops: During the inspection, Mr Chahal observed that there was no uniformity or harmony in the name plates of shops in the back lanes of Khan Market. He announced that NDMC will standardise the name plates of shops, which will improve the visibility and aesthetics of the market.

* Action on parking mafia and vendor corruption: Mr Chahal highlighted the problem of parking mafia and vendor corruption in Khan Market, which is linked to the Aam Aadmi Party. He affirmed that NDMC will take strict action, including formation of a dedicated task force and filing FIRs against the persons involved. Additionally, a parking drive will also be launched to resolve parking issues and control illegal activities.

* Commitment to continuous dialogue with market traders: Mr Chahal reiterated his commitment to work closely with market traders associations (MTAs), whose feedback plays a key role in shaping the municipality’s redevelopment plans. He also said that these efforts are not just about enhancing the aesthetics of the market but about creating vibrant, accessible and commercially successful spaces for both traders and visitors.

Chahal told Bureau Chief Vijay Gaur that all the initiatives are being taken to make New Delhi a model of modern urban development. He said that these initiatives are being taken towards improving the quality of life of residents, enhancing the shopping experience of visitors and creating a sustainable, world-class urban environment.