The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
Complete by next July: L-G takes stock of Gole Market revamp work
THE HISTORIC Gole Market in New Delhi, a 12-sided marvel with six entrances and a central courtyard, is being revitalised as a museum dedicated to leading women from various sectors. The project, which aims at celebrating the contributions of iconic women to the society, is slated for completion by 2025-end.
According to a note from the Lieutenant Governor office, L-G V K Saxena has issued directions to officials concerned that the work be completed by July 2025, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in the Capital next year. Originally proposed in 2006, the plan to convert this British-era market has been facing several challenges. After much efforts over the years, in a council meeting on June 29 last year, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) set a revised deadline of December 2024. However, to ensure the project meets its high standards, the completion date has now been extended to late 2025.
The building’s initial condition was dire: Interiors had collapsed, overgrowth covered walls and roofs, and debris was scattered throughout. Restoration efforts included clearing old roof sheets, removing old doors and structures, and conducting antitermite treatments. Concrete has been laid to strengthen the structure, though delays in foundation wall reinforcement due to a consultant’s approval have caused minor setbacks. “The delay will be recovered in a few days,” stated the redevelopment plan.
A new subway from the nearby taxi stand will serve as the museum’s main entrance, leading visitors to a central courtyard with granite paving, outdoor seating. Surrounding the courtyard will be a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, and four display rooms dedicated to the Delhi Durbar, the planning and construction of Delhi, and its iconic buildings. The first floor will feature a service block for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, an abstract installation library, a multi-purpose room, office and IT spaces, and three display rooms which will delve into the archives of British-era news, the Partition of India, and India’s Independence.
The museum’s theme — “Veerangna: The Iconic Women of Delhi from All Fields” — will highlight the contributions of leading women from various sectors. Exhibits will honour luminaries such as Rani Laxmi Bai, Pandita Ram ab ai sara swati,m other teresa and others.
“We aim to convert the Market into a beacon of knowledge, focusing on the contributions of eminent women to Delhi’s development and their roles in the freedom movement ...,” ndmcv ice-chairperson sa tis h Upadhyay had earlier told The Indian Express.