Jaipur: The heritage city is all set to have a new attraction to lure residents and tourists. In a first-of-its-kind in the state, the Jaipur Smart City Ltd (JSCL) has planned to develop
night bazaar at Chaura Rasta, in the heart of Pink city.
The project is expected to be launched in the first week of January. The JSCL would register nearly 350 makeshift vendors in the first phase. They will be allowed to set up stalls, including eateries, between 9pm and 1am.
JSCL chief executive officer Ravi Jain , said , "Under the smart city, the night bazaar project is expected to be initiated in the first week of next month. We received the approval for it from the market association."
The night bazaar will be modelled in the lines of the one set up in Indore. However, the night market will operate only one day a week, either Saturday or Sunday. After the model is successfully implemented, the number of makeshift vendors would go up to 700. "At night, these vendors will be allowed to put up their shops between New Gate and SBI Bank. The shops will be allowed on both sides of the roads," said another senior official.
The department expects the project to facilitate entertainment, culture and shopping to citizens after office hours. Night bazaars are a staple on the tourist map of countries like Thailand (Suan Lum and Chiang Mai), Hong Kong (Temple Street), Singapore (Chinatown) and Taiwan, a oggical pointed out.
"Jaipur has already plenty to offer tourists as many light and sound shows are being organised at historical places. This would be an additional attraction," added the official
As per the proposal, JSCL plans to divert traffic during the night bazaar hours. Parking facilities will be developed for visitors at Ramlila Maidan. "The night market was expected to be opened for public after Diwali this year. However, the proposal hit a roadblock due to protests of market association," the official said.
