Chaura Bazaar set for Rs 150-crore revamp

Ludhiana’s historic Chaura Bazaar is poised for a transformation that will weave the grandeur of the Lodhi era into its modern identity. Under a Rs 150-crore redevelopment plan, the city’s oldest market will be transformed with arched openings, fluted columns, domed parapets and jharokha-style balconies — architectural motifs designed to restore rhythm and elegance to its crowded lanes.

Known for its dense alleys, vibrant trade and old-world charm, Chaura Bazaar will undergo a facelift modelled after Amritsar’s famed Heritage Street.

The project, spearheaded by the Municipal Corporation, has been selected as a centralised business district under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Consultants are preparing a detailed project report with Guru Nanak Dev University providing inputs on aesthetics and planning.

The design blueprint proposes uniform facades for shops, pedestrian-friendly pathways, underground water tanks, improved lighting, benches, water ATMs, CCTV surveillance, dustbins and emergency response systems. Signage will adopt heritage-inspired fonts with bilingual identity while façade colours will draw from Lodhi-era palettes, anchoring the market in history yet inviting contemporary engagement.

Officials expect central funding of about Rs 150 crore to address long-standing issues of congestion, encroachment and inadequate infrastructure. The revamp aims to boost local trade and position Chaura Bazaar as a premier business hub, attracting shoppers from across the state and neighbouring states.

“Chaura Bazaar is the heartbeat of Ludhiana’s trading culture,” said Mohammad Imran, a garment trader whose family has been running a shop here for three generations.

“We’ve seen the market grow but also struggles neglected by the authorities concerned. If the redevelopment plan respects our heritage and improves access, it will be a blessing,” he said.

Traffic management is a key focus. Four-wheeler access will be restricted during peak hours with delivery timings streamlined to reduce chaos. Mechanical parking facilities — once shelved under the Smart City Mission — are being reconsidered, with potential sites near Laxmi Cinema and Girja Ghar Chowk.

A senior MC official explained: “We want to make Chaura Bazaar walkable and welcoming again. The goal is to retain its character while making it safer and more accessible for traders and visitors alike.”

Local residents and shoppers have cautiously welcomed the initiative. Ravinder Kaur, a retired teacher, said: “The market holds memories for generations. Any change must be sensitive to its soul. Beautification is good but don’t erase its essence.”

The legacy

Meaning a wide market, Chaura Bazaar was once famed for its spacious layout and bustling trade. Established over a century ago, it became Ludhiana’s commercial nucleus, renowned for wholesale hosiery, garments, household goods and festive shopping. Today, its lanes are narrow and congested, shaped by organic growth and urban sprawl. Yet its cultural significance endures — echoed in the Sunday bazaar’s energy, the aroma of street food and the resilience of family-run shops that have stood the test of time.