Delhi: MCD’s night market at Salimgarh Fort fails to enthuse vendors

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) plan to set up a night market near Salimgarh Fort appears to be receiving a lukewarm response.

If implemented, the project will allow street vendors to sell food daily from 6 PM to 10 PM, promoting the city’s vibrant street food culture.

An official from the MCD’s City-SP Zone told Patriot that the department is still accepting applications from vendors, albeit unofficially, despite the deadline having passed.

Initially, the MCD had set April 11 as the last date for submission of applications. However, due to the poor response, the deadline was extended to May 7. Despite this extension, the response has continued to be underwhelming, and the screening process has yet to begin.

“I’ve learned from senior officials that we’re still accepting applications, even though the official deadline has passed,” the official confirmed.

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He noted that the reasons for the poor response remain unclear. “One possibility is that MCD plans to operate the market on a rotational basis, which may discourage vendors. Another issue could be that many vendors don’t meet the required documentation criteria,” he added.

Earlier reports indicated that MCD had received 93 applications from interested vendors. However, a current official stated that the application count is still being finalised.

A senior MCD official overseeing the project mentioned that 130 applications were received initially, all from Ward No. 74 of Chandni Chowk.

Officials emphasised that the market will not include any permanent structures. Vendors will be required to bring their carts during designated hours and remove them afterwards.

“There will be no permanent construction at the site. Vendors will bring their carts, operate during specific hours, and then take them back,” said an MCD official.

The project aims to utilise previously unused vacant space and prevent future encroachments. To enhance the market’s appeal, the MCD plans to beautify the area with lighting and other decorative features while ensuring basic amenities such as toilets, cleanliness, and garbage collection.

According to a notice issued on April 3, the market will operate daily from 6 PM to 10 PM. Around 50 vending spots will be available at a time, and vendors will be required to pay a municipal and sanitation fee.

The notice also stated that vending spots may rotate daily based on the number of eligible applicants. Vendors will be allowed to bring their own tables and chairs for customers.

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An official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi Circle, told Patriot that this is a significant project that could increase footfall at Salimgarh Fort. “Those who come to eat at the market may also visit the monument, which will help boost night tourism,” he said.