Buzz back in Jalandhar as PPR market comes to life

Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 4

The buzz and the hustle-bustle which had long taken a backseat due to Covid is finally back. This time, it is due to a new PPR market which has come up near the Mithapur Chowk.

A huge crowd turned up to spend a weekend as the market opened its doors for the visitors. Over 300 cars could be spotted in the market between 8 pm to 9 pm. Though the market having space for 200 shops was set up way back in 2007, it took it almost 14 years to develop and start buzzing with activity. With facilities such as ample parking space, tiled walkways, attractive lighting, covered balconies outside shops on the first floor, proper seating arrangements, selfie points and even open live singing at the weekends, it has now become a fad with the residents.

While Model Town market had been the most happening area in the city, followed by Curo Street on 66-feet road and Urban Estate Market, it now seems that the entire city enjoys frolicking here. While only a few outlets such as those for grocery stores and uniform centres could be spotted here till the last year, it now is a proper hub for foodies with an array of paratha junctions, soup and salad bars, tea lounges, cafes, fast food, veg and non-veg eateries and ice cream parlours having got set up here.

Shamsher Duggal, who had visited the market with his family, said, “The best part of the market is a wide road which allows double layer parking. In fact, everyone can park right in front of the shop they want to go. You cannot find this convenience elsewhere in the city as of now. Once the car is parked, one is free to stroll on the walkways, enjoy food from various outlets and have fun.”

Vikrant, a collegiate, pointed out, “I especially enjoy the weekend live music here. We even performed bhangra to some foot-tapping music. I like to catch up with my friends here and spend good two-three hours with them.”

Rajan Chopra, a realtor who set up the market, said, “I am happy that the boom time is here. People tell me that the market has taken away the crowd from Model Town. I am expecting it to do even better when the main road of the market gets connected to GTB Nagar, the process for which has already begun. While we initially sold the shops here at Rs 7500 per sq feet, the prices have jacked up to Rs 25,000 per sq feet now. A multiplex coming within the market in the coming time will add to its charm.”

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.