Noida already has established shopping destinations such as Sector 18, Atta Market, Brahmaputra Market, Jagat Farm and local markets across various sectors. However, as the city continues to expand and new residential societies and populations emerge, demand for smaller and more convenient markets is also increasing. The proposed plan could help residents meet their everyday shopping needs without travelling long distances to major commercial areas.
Indore’s ‘Chhappan Dukan’ is among the country’s well-known street food and shopping hubs. The market is known as ‘56 Dukan’ because 56 shops are located within an area of around 200 metres. Over time, it has evolved from a local market into a part of Indore’s identity and tourism landscape.
The Indore market was redeveloped as a smart food street in 2020. Improved pedestrian facilities and a vehicle-free zone gave the market a new format. Taking inspiration from this model, efforts are being made in Noida to develop smaller markets in a more organised and attractive manner.
The proposed markets in Noida are not intended merely to provide shop spaces. The objective is also to create local commercial centres where residents can access food, daily necessities and small retail services within their surrounding areas.
What could change with 247 markets in Noida?
The development of a large number of street markets is expected to primarily benefit local residents. Several sectors of Noida already have large residential societies, whose residents often need to travel to major markets or larger commercial areas even for small daily requirements.
If organised markets become available at the sector level, groceries, food outlets, small retail stores and other essential services could be available closer to homes.
The plan could also create new opportunities for local shopkeepers and small entrepreneurs. A large number of small employment opportunities could emerge across the city. If the Authority’s broader plan succeeds, street markets could also play a role in strengthening the local economy.
The proposed street markets could receive modern facilities
The proposed street markets may be designed differently from traditional, unorganised markets, with an emphasis on a more structured layout. Such markets would need adequate pedestrian space, designated areas for shops, cleanliness, lighting, waste management and parking facilities.
Along with promoting street food, attention to food safety standards would also be important. Indore’s ‘56 Dukan’ has gained recognition as a clean street food hub, making cleanliness and food safety important elements that could be considered in the Noida model.
The design of the markets would also need to ensure that residents living nearby do not face problems related to noise, traffic and parking.
Existing markets could also see reduced pressure
Major commercial centres such as Sector 18 already serve as key shopping destinations in Noida. Atta Market and other local markets are also important shopping points.
The development of new markets could reduce some of the crowds visiting these major markets for small purchases. This could also create the possibility of improvements in traffic management.
However, with an increase in the number of markets, it would also be necessary to ensure that they do not turn into unauthorised encroachments or unorganised parking zones. Regular monitoring and management of the markets would be important for the plan’s success.
Small businesses could benefit significantly
One of the major socio-economic benefits of street markets could be for small businesses. Compared with large shops and malls, smaller markets can provide opportunities to start businesses with lower capital requirements.
Local food vendors, bakeries, sweet shops, and sellers of clothing and household goods could gain easier access to customers through such markets.
The markets could also create opportunities for young people and women to start small businesses. If the Authority follows a transparent allocation process and provides spaces to small traders on suitable terms, the plan could support local entrepreneurship.
The Noida Authority has previously taken steps to improve facilities in the city’s markets. Recently, a plan to install 34 new food and retail kiosks at various shopping hubs in the city also emerged, with e-auction proposed for their allocation. This indicates an increasing focus on small commercial spaces and convenient retail infrastructure in the city.
Street food could become a major attraction
If local food is given prominence in Noida’s 247 markets, they could become more than shopping destinations and develop into social and recreational centres.
Street food is already highly popular across Delhi-NCR. The development of local flavours, regional dishes and small food outlets across different sectors could provide residents with new options.
Such markets could be made particularly active during evenings and weekends. This could also create new local options for families and young people to spend time while eating and exploring nearby markets.
Traffic and parking could remain major challenges
Traffic and parking could be among the biggest challenges facing the plan. If markets are developed within residential areas and attract large numbers of visitors, surrounding roads could experience congestion.
It would therefore be important to make separate arrangements for pedestrians, two-wheelers and four-wheelers while planning the markets. Along with making the markets pedestrian-friendly, adequate parking would also need to be provided nearby.
The vehicle-free zone concept was an important part of the redevelopment of Indore’s ‘56 Dukan’. Noida could also draw lessons from this model and develop arrangements suited to its local conditions.
The success of the 247-market plan will ultimately depend not only on creating new commercial spaces but also on how effectively cleanliness, food safety, parking, traffic, pedestrian movement and regular management are incorporated into their operation.
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