Chandigarh: In response to mounting criticism over poor infrastructure and civic neglect, the Chandigarh administration has intensified efforts to revamp the city’s sole grain and vegetable market in Sector 26 with a comprehensive upgrade project worth more than Rs 12 crore.Senior UT officials said several improvement works have either been completed or are in advanced stages, while major components including road reconstruction and drainage overhaul are progressing through tendering and approval processes.Road infrastructure is emerging as a top priority. The engineering department has already floated tenders for the repair and reconstruction of internal cement concrete roads within the mandi complex. “It aims to eliminate chronic potholes, reduce dust nuisance, and ease vehicle movement — issues that have long plagued transporters and traders,” said the official.Simultaneously, the administration is addressing the market’s most persistent problem — waterlogging and poor sanitation. Estimates for the repair and reconstruction of the entire drainage and sewage network have been prepared. Officials expect the upgraded system to bring significant relief during the monsoon season.Installation of a modern CCTV surveillance network is also underway. The Rs 57 lakh project has been taken up. Once operational, the cameras are expected to strengthen security, improve traffic regulation, and help monitor daily market activities.Several supporting works have already been executed or are nearing completion. These include maintenance and upgrade of vegetable auction platforms, construction of onion and potato auction platforms, installation of entry and exit barricades with overhead barriers, chain-link fencing around parking zones, development of new scooter parking, and construction of a temporary store and chowkidar room. Safety railings are also being installed around grain auction platforms, while lighting upgrades in the market have been completed.The Sector-26 Mandi serves as a vital trading hub, handling substantial arrivals of agricultural produce from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and neighbouring states. For years, traders have complained of crumbling roads, congested parking, damaged platforms, and an outdated drainage system that turns the market into a waterlogged and unhygienic zone during rains.The deteriorating conditions repeatedly drew the attention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has been seeking regular updates from the Chandigarh Administration on steps being taken to improve infrastructure, sanitation, traffic movement, and public amenities.Senior UT officials, including Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, have visited the mandi in recent months and issued strict directions for expediting pending projects and enhancing facilities for traders, labourers, and visitors.BOX1: Sector-26 Mandi Revamp — Key Projects and StatusCCTV Surveillance Network: Project cost: Rs 57.16 lakh; expected to improve security, traffic management and monitoring of market activitiesConcrete Road Construction: Major repair and construction of internal cement concrete roads planned; aims to address potholes, dust and movement bottlenecksDrainage and Sewage Upgrade: Intended to tackle chronic waterlogging and sanitation issuesVegetable Market Infrastructure: Vegetable auction platform upgrade; Onion and potato auction platform under constructionTraffic and Parking Management: Entry and exit barricades being installed; Chain-link fencing around parking areas; New scooter parking under development; Parking demarcation work to begin after road reconstructionOther Works: Temporary store and chowkidar room; Safety railings around grain auction platforms under installation; Lighting UpgradesBOX2: Sector 39 Mandi developmentIn a parallel move to provide long-term relief to the overburdened Sector-26 market, the Administration has constituted a six-member committee to scrutinise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed new Grain, Fruit and Vegetable Market in Sector 39.The committee, headed by the Director Agriculture, includes the Administrator of the Market Committee, Joint Secretary of the State Agricultural Marketing Board, Executive Engineers from relevant divisions, and a Sub-Divisional Engineer. It will examine the DPR, tender documents, drawings, and cost estimates prepared by NABCONS, and ensure the project adheres to CPWD norms for timely and quality execution.The new mandi is expected to significantly decongest Sector-26 once operational.
