Kullu Dasehra Complex auction sees soaring bids, highest is Rs 75,000/month

The much-awaited bid-cum-auction for 36 commercial shops at the International Dasehra Kullu Occupational Complex near the Kullu Regional Hospital witnessed an electrifying start today. Held at Atal Sadan, Kullu, the event drew close to 200 eager participants, reflecting the rising appetite for commercial property in the town.

Organised by the Kullu Municipal Committee (MC), the auction offered shops on a “as-is-where-is” monthly lease basis. Each unit, averaging a carpet area of around 289.55 sq feet, had base rents ranging from Rs 21,000 to Rs 31,989 per month, excluding approximately 20% in taxes and cess.

Despite the massive turnout, only eight shops had been allotted by the time of this report. However, the day saw fierce bidding, with one unit fetching a record-breaking Rs 75,000 per month. Another intense moment occurred when a compact 74.78-sq-foot shop, initially priced at Rs 6,279, was leased for an astonishing Rs 31,500 per month.

To ensure social inclusivity, the MC reserved specific shops for marginalised groups: Scheduled Castes (2), Scheduled Tribes (1), Other Backward Classes (1), differently-abled persons (1), ex-servicemen (2), women (1), wards of freedom fighters (1) and unemployed individuals (1). However, no relaxation in base rent was provided for these categories. Strict rules also barred subletting and limited allocation to one shop per family.

The auction followed a two-stage process. Interested residents of Himachal Pradesh were required to submit sealed tenders after purchasing a document for Rs 2,000. Along with technical and financial bids, a refundable earnest money deposit of Rs 10,000 was mandatory. The technical bids were opened at 11:30 am and a live auction followed, where the highest open or sealed bid was considered for each shop.

The process was overseen by designated committee members and bidders’ representatives to ensure transparency. Officials reiterated that incomplete or conditional tenders, or those lacking earnest money or necessary documentation, were disqualified. The MC also retained the right to reject any bid without explanation.

The auction will continue until all shops are leased. The final list of successful bidders will be announced soon.