Nod to markets at Karnal Mughal Canal

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, November 9

The state government has approved the drawing of the much-awaited project of Mughal Canal phase-2 and 3 markets, which would be developed with different kinds of architectural styles on the first floor. After the administrative approval, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) will start work on the market, which is included in the smart city project.

“The state government has given its nod to the drawing sent by the KMC. Now, we are waiting for the administrative approval, after which we will invite tenders,” said Rajiv Mehta, Commissioner, KMC.

At present, the site of phase-2 is being used by vegetables and fruit vendors, while earlier it was a drain constructed by the Irrigation Department.

The previous government, led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda, had laid the foundation stone of the project, to cover the canal bed to develop the market, on November 18, 2012. At that time, it was announced that it would be a self-financing project of around Rs 200 crore and a multi-storey market like phase-1 will be constructed on the embankments of the canal. But now, the design of the market has been changed and it will be set up on pillars.

“We are facing traffic congestion and lack of parking space in phase-1, so we have designed a unique market in phase-2 and 3. The ground floor of phase-2 and 3, along with the basements of the shops, will be dedicated for parking and traffic flow, while the market will be on the first floor, access to which will be from escalators and lifts. The market will stand on pillars,” the Commissioner maintained.

A night market would also be developed in the upcoming phases, he stated.

Apart from it, the administration has also planned to develop different architectural styles to beautify it. A recreational area, swings, sitting area, public health facilities, green spaces and fountains would also be installed. It would also have the facility of cycle track, he said.

The entrance from Mughal Canal phase-1 side and from GT road side would also be made attractive, Mehta added.