In a significant initiative aimed at modernising the city's traditional vegetable market, the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Sabzi Mandi at Parade in the Jammu East Assembly constituency was laid today by local MLA Yudhvir Sethi in the presence of Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation and CEO Jammu Smart City, Dr. Devansh Yadav.
Speaking on the occasion, Yudhvir Sethi said that the redevelopment of the Sabzi Mandi 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 alike.
He said the project would enhance hygiene standards, improve traffic circulation and create a more organised and customer-friendly trading environment. The redevelopment project, with an estimated DPR cost of ₹5.88 crore, aims to transform the existing mandi into a clean, well-planned and user-friendly market equipped with upgraded civic amenities and durable infrastructure.
As part of the project, a spacious Mild Steel (MS) covered shed will be constructed to provide weather-protected vending space for traders. The facility would accommodate 117 vendor platforms, each measuring 1.8 metres × 2.1 metres, ensuring systematic and orderly market operations.
The shed area would have Kota stone flooring, while the vendor platforms would be furnished with granite cladding and granite tops to ensure durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance. The project also envisages the construction of 44 permanent commercial shop blocks, each measuring 2.4 metres × 2.7 metres, to support vegetable vendors and allied businesses in a structured retail setting.
To improve sanitation and cleanliness, the existing drainage network will be strengthened and rehabilitated to minimise water logging and ensure efficient disposal of wastewater within the mandi premises. The redevelopment plan further includes a redesigned main entry gate with sandstone cladding, enhancing the visual appeal and identity of the market.
Modern public amenities, including separate toilet blocks for men and women and drinking water cooler units, would also be installed for the convenience of traders and visitors. Movement and circulation areas within the market would be developed using Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to withstand heavy pedestrian and light vehicular traffic, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
The project has been conceived to improve market functionality through an organised layout, better accessibility, enhanced safety and a more efficient shopping experience. The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to significantly improve hygiene standards and provide a cleaner, more convenient environment for the handling and sale of fresh produce, giving the historic Sabzi Mandi a modern and sustainable facelift.
Among others present on the occasion were Additional Chief Executive Officer Jammu Smart City Kulbhushan Khajuria; Project Director Sunil Thosoo; General Manager Saleem-ul-Sabah; Assistant Executive Engineer Vivek Chopra and other officers and officials.