Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and CEO, Jammu Smart City, Dr. Devansh Yadav today visited the Old Vegetable Market at Parade and initiated the redevelopment work, marking the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at transforming the historic market into a cleaner, more organised and modern trading space.
During his visit, the Vegetable Market Association welcomed the Commissioner and expressed its support for the redevelopment initiative. Interacting with traders and members of the association, Dr. Yadav assured those present that the work had commenced and would be completed as soon as possible. He said the redevelopment would provide improved facilities for vendors and visitors, enhance hygiene standards and create a more efficient and customer-friendly market environment.
The redevelopment project, with an estimated DPR cost of ?5.88 crore, aims to transform the existing mandi through modern infrastructure, upgraded civic amenities and a well-planned layout. The project is expected to improve market functionality, accessibility, sanitation and the overall shopping experience.
As part of the redevelopment, a spacious Mild Steel (MS) covered shed will be constructed to provide weather-protected vending space for traders. The facility will accommodate 117 vendor platforms, each measuring 1.8 metres × 2.1 metres, ensuring systematic and orderly market operations.
The shed area will be developed with Kota stone flooring, while the vendor platforms will feature granite cladding and granite tops to ensure durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance.
The project also envisages the construction of 44 permanent commercial shop blocks, each measuring 2.4 metres × 2.7 metres, to support vegetable vendors and allied businesses in a structured retail setting.
To improve sanitation and cleanliness, the existing drainage network will be strengthened and rehabilitated to minimise waterlogging and ensure efficient disposal of wastewater within the mandi premises.
The redevelopment plan further includes a redesigned main entry gate with sandstone cladding, enhancing the visual appeal and identity of the market. Modern public amenities, including separate toilet blocks for men and women and drinking water cooler units, will also be installed for the convenience of traders and visitors.
The internal movement and circulation areas will be developed using Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to withstand regular pedestrian movement and light vehicular traffic, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
Dr. Yadav said the redevelopment had been conceived to improve market functionality through an organised layout, better accessibility, enhanced safety and efficient civic infrastructure. He added that the upgraded facilities would significantly improve hygiene standards and provide a cleaner, safer and more convenient environment for the handling and sale of fresh produce.
The initiation of work at the Parade Vegetable Market marks an important step towards the planned modernisation of one of Jammu’s oldest and busiest markets, with the JMC committed to completing the redevelopment at the earliest possible time.