New Delhi: Delhi’s agricultural markets are set for an infrastructure upgrade, with chief minister Rekha Gupta Friday laying the foundation stones for four projects across Azadpur, Keshopur and Narela markets aimed at improving facilities for farmers, traders and workers.The projects include reconstruction of internal roads at Keshopur Fruit and Vegetable Market, construction of two temporary sheds at Narela’s New Grain Market, repairs to sewerage and drainage infrastructure in Azadpur New Vegetable Market, and installation of a modern weigh-in-motion system at Azadpur Fruit and Vegetable Market.At Keshopur, internal roads that are more than 20 years old will be rebuilt at a cost of Rs 9.5 crore. The two sheds planned at Narela, spread across 33 acres, will provide covered storage space and protect grain from rain and adverse weather.In Azadpur, sewerage and drainage lines in Blocks B and C will be repaired to address damaged and clogged pipelines, leakage and waterlogging. A slow-speed weigh-in-motion system will also be installed at the entry and exit gates of the market to enable commercial vehicles to be weighed without coming to a complete halt.“Govt wants to go beyond repairs and cosmetic changes to create robust infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of the next 100 years,” Gupta said, adding that work was also planned on roads, drainage, waste disposal, lighting, healthcare facilities, security systems and technology upgrades across agricultural markets.She said consultants had already been appointed for the development of Tikri Khampur Fruit and Vegetable Market and that long-term plans were being prepared for markets in Azadpur, Ghazipur, Narela and Keshopur.Development minister Kapil Mishra said infrastructure gaps had persisted in several markets for years, with some areas lacking proper roads and sewerage facilities for decades.
