Khan Market to get better fire routes

 In a bid to enhance fire safety measures in upscale Khan Market, the New Delhi Municipal Council is planning to construct nine pedestrian bridges, which can be used as escape routes if fire erupts.  

 

“These pedestrian bridges will be planned in such a way that they serve as fire escape routes. The bridges will lead away from the market to avoid casualty in case of a fire. Currently, plans are on to construct nine such bridges,” said NDMC Chairperson, Jalaj Shrivastava.

The pedestrian bridges will be constructed from the second floor of the market building. However, the construction will be done keeping the current architecture of the market intact. “The pedestrian bridges, which will be an added feature in the market, will be planned aesthetically,” Shrivastava added.

According to Sanjiv Mehra, president of Khan Market Traders Association, the pedestrian bridges will serve dual purposes. “While the bridges will serve as fire escape routes, they will also successfully interconnect the existing flats in Khan Market.” Currently, there are 74 flats in the market.

“One problem that customers face at the market is taking the steep flight of stairs every time they want to visit shops on the upper floors. If the new plan establishes connectivity between a shop and restaurant, people, especially the elderly and the differently-abled will benefit from it” Mehra said.

Currently, the project is at a concept stage. The NDMC is likely to announce a more detailed plan within three months, a source said.    
         In its latest budget, the council had announced a provision of Rs 10 crore for its ‘new projects’ scheme, under which redevelopment of four significant markets – Khan Market, Gole Market, Sarojini Nagar Market and INA and Dilli Haat is on its agenda. Also, Rs 11.64 crore has been allocated to enhance fire services and disaster management.   

Meanwhile, the NDMC is also mulling over plans to do away with surface parking at Khan Market. With underground parking, the civic body is aiming to decongest the market besides enhancing greenery and pedestrianisation in the area.