200-year-old Mir Alam Mandi undergoes major redevelopment

Hyderabad’s historic Mir Alam Mandi near Charminar is getting a Rs 10.50-crore phased makeover. The project includes restoration of its heritage arch, modern sheds for nearly 300 vendors, improved drainage, waste management facilities and LED lighting, while minimising disruption to businesses.

HYDERABAD: The nearly 200-year-old Mir Alam Mandi, one of Hyderabad’s oldest traditional markets near Charminar, is undergoing a phased multi-crore redevelopment aimed at preserving its heritage while providing modern infrastructure for hundreds of vendors.

The heritage entrance arch (Kaman), a prominent landmark of the historic market, has already been restored at a cost of Rs 92 lakh. The restoration included strengthening the structure, replacing damaged bricks, and re-plastering the walls to improve its structural stability and ensure the safety of visitors.

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The overall redevelopment, being executed jointly by the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), is estimated to cost around Rs 10.50 crore.

As part of the project, elevated modern fabrication sheds are being constructed in phases to accommodate nearly 300 vendors, explained an official of QQSUDA. The weather-resistant sheds are expected to provide better protection from rain and heat while improving the overall shopping environment.

“The redevelopment also includes installation of an underground drainage network, stormwater drains, waste management catch pits, and LED street lighting to improve sanitation and civic amenities in the market,” the official said.

Established during the Nizam era, Mir Alam Mandi has long been a bustling centre for the sale of vegetables, groceries and spices. However, the market had fallen into disrepair over the years, with leaking roofs, poor drainage and unhygienic conditions affecting both vendors and customers.

Officials said the redevelopment has been planned in phases to ensure that the livelihoods of traders are not adversely affected. Completed portions of the market have already been handed over, allowing vendors to continue their business while construction progresses in the remaining sections.

“We completed a part of the work and shifted the vendors to the place. Now the remaining sheds are being constructed,” the QQSUDA official added.

While the restoration of the heritage arch and several elevated sheds has been completed, fabrication work on the remaining sheds is continuing. Vendors have urged the authorities to expedite the works so that the redevelopment is completed at the earliest with minimal disruption to business.