Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari assured shopkeepers and stall holders at Gokulpeth Market that the proposed redevelopment would not leave them disadvantaged, with the administration planning individual agreements to address concerns over shops, relocation and other conditions.The redevelopment project is planned on 1,52,908 sq ft (3.51 acres) and will include a 31-storey building with six major entry gates. At a meeting with shopkeepers and stall holders at his Mahal office on Friday, Gadkari said the project was part of a broader effort to modernise around 15 to 16 markets across Nagpur by providing better civic amenities, cleanliness and parking facilities.The project was targeted for completion within three years. Gadkari said efforts will be taken to ensure that traders do not suffer during the construction period. “Hawkers will also be taken into consideration,” he said.On concerns regarding rehabilitation of vendors selling from platforms in the existing market, the city MP said efforts would be made to provide them ground-floor shops.To prevent disputes or confusion over the terms of redevelopment, Gadkari said individual memorandums of understanding (MoUs) would be signed with every shopkeeper and stall holder. He appealed to traders to cooperate with the administration in completing the process.Several shopkeepers and stall holders sought clarification on the redevelopment plan. Officials said the discussions were aimed at addressing their concerns before the project moves ahead.Mayor Neeta Thakre, ruling party leader Narendra (Balya) Borkar, Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar and NIT chairperson Sanjay Mina were among those present.
