There will be two ramps at Gate No 2 and 7 for the handicapped. "This is being done keeping in view the revised norms for the handicapped. We have also proposed that the ramp should be smooth and disabled friendly. Toilets will also be upgraded. There will be special toilets for the handicap," the official said.

The proposal includes upgradation of the airconditioning and the fire fighting and fire detection systems.

"We are also going to redo the flooring, wall cladding and the ceiling and provide for signages," the official said, adding corrogated fibre sheets will be used, cladding of the shops will be in aluminum composed panels. Signages in flagsheets and vitrified tiles for flooring have been proposed.

As for the security system in the market, close-circuit televisions will be provided. Tendering is already over. Work on this will be completed this year, the official said.

There will be five trade zones. Each shop will be earmarked through the colour scheme, he said. However, it is this proposal that has drawn the market association's Ire.

Says Dinesh Gaur, president, Palika Bazaar Market Association, "We are opposed to the idea of the trade zone plan. It is useless."

"In 1999 and 2004, NDMC had passed a resolution that clearly stated that anyone can change his trade from non-licensable trade to a non-licensable trade, which means that no permission is required to change such a trade. The 2004 resolutions should be applicable to Palika Bazar too. Redevelopment should not be merged in any- way with the trade zone," he said.

"We are fine with the colour scheme as per location but not as per trade. The colour scheme can be done according to the three main circles in the market-outer circle, inner circle and the central hall," he adds.

"However, we want that the work should progress smoothly. We would prefer that the development work is done at night so that the business is not affected," he said.

As for the upgradation of the parking area, a consultant has already been appointed and his report is ready. The esti- mation is in process, the NDMC official said.

There are plans to install an electronic parking guidance and management sys- tem. The proposal is to give smart cards to vehicle owners. It will be a unidirectional system and the various slots will be displayed on the screen. However, the capacity will remain the same at 1,075, he added.

Palika Bazaar was set up in 1978. It comprises more than 300 shops.

The upgradation of the market comes close on the heels of similar work undertaken for markets in Janpath and the Momo Market at Yashwant Place.