J&K sanctions ₹5.88 crore Sabzi Mandi redevelopment in Jammu
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday, 22 June sanctioned a ₹5.88 crore redevelopment project for the historic Sabzi Mandi at Parade in Jammu city, marking a significant push to modernise one of the region's oldest and busiest vegetable markets. The foundation stone was laid by local MLA Yudhvir Sethi in the presence of senior civic officials, signalling the formal start of the overhaul.
What the Project Entails
The redevelopment, drawn up under a Detailed Project Report (DPR) valued at ₹5.88 crore, will transform the existing mandi into a clean, well-planned trading hub equipped with upgraded civic amenities. A spacious Mild Steel (MS) covered shed will be constructed to provide weather-protected vending space, accommodating 117 vendor platforms, each measuring 1.8 metres × 2.1 metres. The shed area will feature Kota stone flooring, while individual platforms will be fitted with granite cladding and granite tops for durability and ease of maintenance.
Additionally, 44 permanent commercial shop blocks, each measuring 2.4 metres × 2.7 metres, will be constructed to support vegetable vendors and allied businesses. Movement and circulation areas will be developed using Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to handle heavy pedestrian and light vehicular traffic over the long term.
Sanitation and Civic Upgrades
A key focus of the project is improving sanitation standards. The existing drainage network will be strengthened and rehabilitated to minimise waterlogging and ensure efficient wastewater disposal — a persistent concern in traditional mandis across Jammu. Modern public amenities, including separate toilet blocks for men and women as well as drinking water cooler units, will also be installed.
The main entry gate will be redesigned with sandstone cladding, enhancing the market's visual identity and making it more accessible to visitors.
What Officials Said
MLA Yudhvir Sethi, who laid the foundation stone, said the redevelopment 'would usher in a new era for one of Jammu's oldest and busiest markets by providing modern infrastructure and improved facilities for vendors and visitors.' He added that the project would enhance hygiene standards, improve traffic circulation, and create a more organised trading environment.
Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation and CEO, Jammu Smart City Devansh Yadav was also present at the occasion, along with Additional CEO Jammu Smart City Kulbhushan Khajuria, Project Director Sunil Thosoo, General Manager Saleem-ul-Sabah, and Assistant Executive Engineer Vivek Chopra.
Broader Context
The Sabzi Mandi at Parade falls within the Jammu East Assembly constituency and is a critical supply point for fresh produce across the city. The redevelopment is part of broader Smart City initiatives being executed in Jammu, which has seen increased urban infrastructure investment since the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory in 2019. Upgrades to traditional markets are seen as essential to improving livelihoods for small vendors while meeting rising urban hygiene expectations.
Once complete, the upgraded facility is expected to serve hundreds of vendors and thousands of daily visitors, setting a potential benchmark for similar mandi redevelopment efforts across the Union Territory.