Chandigarh opens first bulk market in Sector 56

Chandigarh will launch its first bulk market in Sector 56 this April. After one and a half years of planning, the administration has completed all necessary preparations. The market will feature 200 one kanal plots and 52 booths available for lease. The pricing for the plots and booths will be based on the existing collector rate, which is set at Rs 3 lakh per square yard. The market will allow for a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.5, meaning occupants can build up to three floors for displaying and selling materials. A significant change to the original plan includes the addition of construction materials to the market offerings. Previously, only marble and furniture businesses were included. This decision was made due to the lack of a dedicated market for construction materials in the city. The auction for the plots and booths will be conducted online, with the highest bidder receiving the property. The bulk market aims to serve shopkeepers from the marble market in Dhanas and the furniture market in Sector 52. After the bulk market opens, both the Dhanas marble market and the Sector 52 furniture market will be demolished. The land for these markets will be cleared to facilitate the new development. The administration plans to address other land encroachments in the city as well. The planning for the bulk market involved cooperation between various departments. The urban planning department worked with the engineering and estate offices to finalize the design and layout for the new market.