The project of restoring the 103-year-old Gole Market, a twostory octagonal structure designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1921, has finally gained momentum. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) plans to restore this heritage building and transform it into a museum dedicated to Indian women achievers. Workers are removing additional structures created by vendors for their benefit, indicating that the NDMC has accelerated the project, which may be completed on time.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena laid the foundation stone for the restoration project at the market, to be named “Veerangana,” on October 21, 2023. The overall project is estimated to take two years and cost Rs. 21.66 crore. NDMC officials have formed teams to remove additional constructions made by shopkeepers over the years, strengthen the foundation, and retrofit damaged portions.
Workers are striving to preserve the market’s original essence while ensuring it can support modern fixtures. NDMC Vice Chairperson Satish Upadhyay inspected the project site and stated, “The foundation strengthening work at the Gole Market Building has commenced, with a strong emphasis on preserving its original structure. The civil department is engaged in complementary tasks such as preparing a subway and maintaining the surrounding area to enhance the museum’s ambience. The project is on track for completion within 18 months.”
A contractor involved in the work mentioned, “We cannot use heavier machinery as it may damage the core structure. The goal is to remove all additions made by shopkeepers over the last century, replace weakened portions, and restore the market to its original form. The new structure will have a giant hemispherical glass dome at the center and will be a centrally air-conditioned building.”