Turning local markets into malls offering full-fledged services of a barber shop, grocery stores, vegetable vendors and chaat corners is gaining significance on the agenda of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). These malls will not have any swanky brands to offer, but promise to meet the requirements of daily use and offer some decent recreation as well.
The plan of action is to refurbish existing markets and a provision of Rs 15 crore has been made in this year’s budget to transform the local markets into malls. Presently, the markets in consideration are Colaba, Crawford Market and Byculla. The size of the malls is expected to be anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 square metres.
The move is definitely going to effect a transition in the depleted condition of the markets. There will be no central air-conditioning, though the shops therein are free to design their interiors as per requirements. The existing shop owners and vendors in the markets will be accommodated in the malls.
– Mumbai Bureau
