Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: Modernising agricultural mandis is a government priority

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday reviewed ongoing and proposed redevelopment projects in agricultural markets across Delhi, reiterating that the modernisation of mandis is a key priority for the city government.

Chairing a review meeting, Ms. Gupta said agricultural markets serve as a vital link between farmers, traders, and consumers. She noted that markets equipped with modern facilities and stronger infrastructure would improve trade efficiency and benefit all stakeholders. The government is regularly reviewing these projects to ensure development work progresses as per schedule, she added.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the poultry market being developed in Ghazipur on approximately 15 acres at a cost of ₹193.29 crore. Construction began in March 2019 and is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), about 85% of the work has been completed. The facility will include shops for 100 wholesale traders and 120 processing units, significantly boosting the poultry trade infrastructure in the capital.

In addition, Ms. Gupta reviewed the proposed flower market at the Integrated Freight Complex (IFC) in Ghazipur. The CMO stated that ten acres of land were acquired from the Delhi Development Authority in 2001, and the modern flower market is planned to be developed in phases within the IFC Ghazipur complex. This project aims to streamline flower trading and provide better facilities for vendors and buyers.

Separately, the Chief Minister inaugurated an ‘Arpan Kendra’, a donation centre for old clothes, at Punjabi Bagh West metro station. According to the CMO, such donation centres are being established at ten major metro stations across Delhi. In the first phase, Arpan Kendras have been launched at five stations: Shalimar Bagh, Punjabi Bagh West, Mayur Vihar Phase-1, Shahdara, and Rohini West. The initiative is designed to facilitate easy collection and distribution of old clothes to those in need.

The review underscores the Delhi government's focus on upgrading infrastructure in agricultural markets to ensure smoother operations and better outcomes for farmers and traders. With the poultry market nearing completion and the flower market moving forward, the administration aims to modernise these spaces while addressing the growing demands of the city's population.