Lala Lajpat Rai and Lamington Road markets suffer from impoverished, poor and neglected infrastructure
By Richa Chakravarty
Asia’s biggest electronics markets like Bhagirath Palace and Lala Lajpat Rai markets in New Delhi, and Lamington Road market in Mumbai remain neglected, as officials choose to ignore the glaring flaws and woefully insufficient infrastructure at these markets.
The recent fire in Bhagirath Palace revealed how the authorities in Delhi failed to support infrastructure and put in place good conditions that promote these markets. According to the city’s Master Plan, Bhagirath Palace is a residential redevelopment area. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have even failed to acknowledge the market in the Master Plan Delhi 2021.
The Lamington Road market also lags far behind where basic infrastructure and trading conditions are concerned. Located at a most strategic part of the city, this market is well connected through ports, railways and roads. Unfortunately, it also suffers from the same impoverished, poor and neglected infrastructure that Delhi’s electronics markets suffer from.
The problems faced
Mumbai and Delhi are the major markets supplying electronics goods all over the country and abroad. Electronics markets in these cities form the backbone of trading in India as they generate maximum revenue for the government by way of taxes. Shares Gulab Chand Hariya, director, Cirkit Electro Components at Lamington Road, “These markets are not just important for the state government but for the Central government, too. These markets have been supplying electronic components to various markets all over the country. Moreover, the property costs at these markets are so high. Despite churning out money, these markets remain neglected by the government.”
“Movement of vehicles is restricted on these lanes. Even an auto-rickshaw cannot enter or move on these lanes. We have to carry our goods on rickshaws or engage extra labour (manpower) which adds to our costs,” informs Vikas Minocha, proprietor, Cosmic Devices.
Parking is another major problem in these markets. Lamington Road has close to 3000 shops. Despite the massive business being carried out at these markets, there is no proper parking areas. This causes huge losses to the traders, keeping many potential customers away.
Authorities neglect flaws
Considering the buildings in these markets are as old as a 100 years, safety is a major concern. Traders have constantly raised their voices to authorities to take the necessary steps to improve safety, like the installation of fire extinguishers in all buildings, proper exit gates, etc. “The electronics meters installed in these building are old and in poor condition, hence raising the chances of short circuits in the market. Making the situation worse are the telecom towers installed on the terrace where my office is located. This tower runs on a diesel generator placed next to it. This again raises the chances of fire in the building. We have made several complaints to the authorities but it seems to fall on deaf ears,” complains Vikas Minocha.
Relocating the market could be another way to improve the deteriorating condition of old buildings. The Government of Maharashtra has successfully relocated two major markets—The Diamond Market and the Agricultural Produce Market to new complexes with proper facilities. The same can be done for the electronics markets, to help both traders as well as the buyers. “We want the government to provide similar facilities to electronics the markets and we plan to raise this issue at the 75th anniversary celebrations of the All India Radio & Electronics Association (AREA, WZ),” informs Gulab Chand Hariya.
