Hazratganj to undergo major revamp, colour code change on cards

LUCKNOW Hazratganj, the heart of Lucknow and the heartbeat of the city’s retail scene, is set to undergo a major facelift after 15 years and have a different colour scheme. The district administration has unveiled a comprehensive renovation plan that will not only enhance aesthetics of the area but also streamline traffic management and remove encroachments that have plagued the marketplace for years, said officials.

The cream-pink colour scheme for buildings here will be replaced with a more elegant light peach-walnut brown theme. This fresh colour palette is expected to give the area a modern, clean look while still maintaining its historic charm. The revamp plan has been prepared after a series of discussions with the stakeholders, primarily the traders of Hazratganj.

The traffic management system in Ganj will also be revamped. Traders have agreed to bear the cost of painting the market walls and installing new signage boards. However, the cost of upgrading civic infrastructure, including roads and streetlights, will be covered by the state government. Officials from the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) have assured that the new design will improve the area’s functionality and enhance the experience of both traders and visitors.

An LDA official explained, “During the construction of Lucknow Metro, sewer connections and water pipelines were damaged. We are now working to restore these essentials. No-parking zones will be established and strictly enforced to ensure smooth traffic flow. Dedicated spaces will be created for auto and rickshaw parking, ensuring better organisation. We are also committed to removing encroachments in the market area to preserve its historic significance and aesthetic appeal.”

Hazratganj Traders’ Association secretary Vinod Punjabi mentioned that multiple rounds of discussions have been held between traders and authorities. He emphasized the importance of coordination between agencies like the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, LDA, Traffic Police, Public Works Department, and others involved in the renovation process.

“Traders have been actively involved in shaping the renovation plan, and we are confident that these changes will greatly improve the overall experience in Hazratganj,” he added.

In addition to the beautification efforts, one of the major improvements will be the removal of encroachments from the streets of Hazratganj. The market will be cleaned twice daily to maintain hygiene and keep it free from litter. The authorities have also committed to providing proper lighting throughout the area, enhancing its safety and appeal during the evening hours.

Municipal Commissioner Inderjit Singh highlighted that the construction work for the Metro had caused several disruptions in the area. “Many things were disturbed during the Metro work, but now everything will be set in place. We will ensure that the drains are fitted with perforated RCC covers, sewer lines are reconnected, and water lines are re-laid and restored to their original condition,” he said.

Outlining the scope of improvements in the area, divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob said: “After Metro work was completed, several benches, railings, and bollards were damaged. These will be replaced with new ones, while additional streetlights and dustbins will be placed throughout Hazratganj. Aesthetic elements such as decorative elements and modern infrastructure will also be reworked to ensure the area reflects the city’s rich heritage and modern development.”

“This long-awaited facelift of Hazratganj promises to make the place a more accessible, organized, and visually appealing destination for locals and tourists alike, at the same time preserving the city’s historical charm while adapting to the modern-day demands of urban life,” said Chander Prakash, another major trader of the area.