Khan Market set for overhaul, new 300-metre walkway planned
Delhi’s Khan Market, one of the most happening places in South Delhi, famous for its super-expensive brand shops, multi-cuisine restaurants, super-hot pubs and lounges, is set for a makeover, with authorities planning a series of infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving pedestrian movement and reducing frequent disruptions in the high-footfall shopping hub.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is considering the development of a dedicated walkway along the circumference of the market, around 300 metres long, after completion of a pilot project currently underway on the front side of the market, they said.
They added that on the front side of the market, granite cobblestones are also being laid, with the work expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
“The walkway is likely to be constructed using granite cobblestones or granite blocks at least 2.5 inches thick to ensure durability and ease of movement for visitors,” officials said. “Khan Market is the 22nd most expensive high street globally. It is not only a prime shopping destination but also a symbol of a high-end lifestyle in the heart of the Capital,” he said.
NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal said that the series of infrastructure improvements is expected to provide a better experience in the coveted market for shoppers and establish a new development model.
Officials said that alongside this, work is underway to upgrade the middle lane in a manner that would reduce the need for frequent road cutting in the future, particularly for utility services. The redesign is aimed at minimising disruptions to traders and shoppers, they said.
In addition, night-time washing and deep cleaning are being carried out regularly to maintain cleanliness in the market area.
The measures are aimed at improving both the functionality and upkeep of the market while ensuring a smoother experience for visitors, they said.
Khan Market was established in 1951 and is among the most expensive rental spaces in the country, home to many popular eateries, bookstores and shopping outlets. The double-storey market complex originally had 154 shops and 74 flats on the first floor for shopkeepers. Before independence, a barrack market used to exist on the site to cater to the needs of British soldiers. The market will celebrate its platinum jubilee in another two years. The market is named after Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, a Pashtun political leader and the brother of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
According to Cushman & Wakefield’s 35th edition, Khan Market in New Delhi ranks 24th globally, maintaining its position as India’s most expensive retail location with rents at USD 223 per square foot per year (psf/yr), up 3 per cent year-on-year. While its global ranking slipped slightly from 23rd to 24th, Khan Market remains India’s most expensive high street, reflecting resilience and enduring appeal amid a competitive global landscape.
London’s New Bond Street, meanwhile, has been crowned the world’s most expensive retail destination for the first time, where rents have risen by 22 per cent in the past year to USD 2,231 per square foot per year (psf/yr). New Bond Street has leapfrogged Milan’s Via Montenapoleone ($2,179 psf/yr), which last year became the first European street to top the global rankings, and New York’s iconic Upper Fifth Avenue ($2,000 psf/yr).
