NEW DELHI: For more than five decades, tony
South Extension was the shopping destination of choice for the well-heeled citizens of Delhi. In the past few years, however, traffic chaos and parking problems, worsened considerably by the Delhi
Metro construction, had robbed the upscale
market of its sheen. As the footfall dwindled, quite a few big brands even shut shop. Ironically, the market now pins its hope on Delhi Metro for a revival. South Extension will soon find itself on the Delhi Metro map for the first time. The 8.1-km Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus-Lajpat Nagar section of the Pink Line, which is expected to begin operating from the month end, could well be called the shopper’s corridor, linking as it does the four popular markets at Sarojini Nagar, INA, South Extension and Lajpat Nagar. This has enthused shop owners in South Extension about regaining lost glory.
“The market is almost at a standstill,” said Harish Bakshi, manager of Mehrasons Jewellers, a South Extension landmark since 1968. “In the early years, the market had mainly local brands, but over the years many international brands opened shop here. There was a certain prestige about shopping in South Extension.”
The new malls, and places like Khan Market and Connaught Place have taken away most of South Extension’s clientele. There is new hope of their return now. As Bakshi said, “Many of our customers have settled in NCR, but the charm of South Extension endures and some still come here for shopping. With the coming of the metro, we are expecting growth and more business.”
Shop owners visualise the benefits for people. “Customers can park their cars at one place and take the metro to the four markets, if they so want,” pointed out Vijay Kumar, president, South Extension Part I Traders Association. A shopper could presumably pick up junk jewellery or branded clothes at Sarojini Nagar, hop on the metro and buy imported food items at INA, then stop at South Extension for exquisite saris or jewellery and drop in at Lajpat Nagar for affordable ethnic wear.
Even before the South Extension station has opened, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has already made the ambience there more peaceable and approachable. The underground station, built at a depth of 20 metres, straddles both parts of South Extension on either side of the busy Ring Road. There are around seven entry and exit points from the station. The existing subway between Part I and II has been refurbished and linked with the station.
DMRC has also created green plazas near the market, erasing its association with chaos. The smoothening efforts include drop off points for autorickshaws and cars and pedestrian pathways. The parking space will also be restored.
“It was congestion on Ring Road that deterred customers,” said Kumar. “With less congestion and buyers coming back, we hope that the premium brands return soon. The metro is opening just before the wedding season and we are shoring up our stocks.” Rajesh Jain, owner of Bengali Sweet Centre, happily added, “There’s more parking space now and we hope more people come here.”
There are some sceptics too. “Loyal customers have never deserted us for decades but they prefer to drive here. So, though the footfall could increase once metro services start, it might not result in increased sales,” said Mirza Touseef Baig of Midland Bookshop.
While happy about the metro connectivity, residents of the locality are wary of possible problems, including crowding. “There definitely are benefits to the metro coming here, but it will also bring e-rickshaws,” observed Manjeet Singh Singh, former vice-president, South Extension Part I RWA. “This will only clog the area’s already congested roads.” He also feared traffic on Ring Road will be affected by cars dropping or picking shoppers and commuters.
South Extension was the shopping destination of choice for the well-heeled citizens of Delhi
