Srinagar’s Polo View market, once frequented by Dogra monarchs and Bollywood actors, on Friday earned the distinction of becoming the first modern pedestrian-only market in Kashmir. It comes just 10 days ahead of the G-20 meet being held in Srinagar, which will be attended by multiple foreign delegates.
Hallmark chinar trees line the central verge of the market, with foliage providing a canopy on both sides. The market is home to brands with a rich local history, some dating back to more than a century ago. “My ancestors had set up a brand and a shop here in 1901. English viceroys, their staff and the Dogra Maharajas would frequent the market. It attracted high-end buyers and tourists from around the world,” recalls Haji Ismail Bhat, 75, president of the Polo View Market Association.
Keeping local styles
The market has become iconic for preserving elements of local architecture. The ornamental representation of the colonial-era, the Dhajji Dewari, has become the facade of the shops in line with the architectural sensibilities of the area, which housed British residences prior to 1947. The path has been laid with cobblestone work, again a hallmark of local architecture.
Describing Polo View as the State’s first high street completely meant for pedestrians, Srinagar Smart City’s CEO Athar Amir Khan said that the market is also the first to be completely wire-free. “It has universal access, separate underground sewerage and drainage networks, underground electricity and communication lines,” Mr. Khan said.
Polo View market is part of the ₹980 crore Smart City project being implemented in the summer capital. It will be the first major project undertaken for city beautification under the Lieutenant Governor’s rule in J&K. The inauguration comes at a time when the city is preparing to host delegates from G-20 countries between May 22 and May 24.
Smart City improvements
Apart from the Polo View market, the renovated Shiv temple at Abhi Guzar and the Smart Advanced Traffic Management system were also inaugurated by L-G Manoj Sinha. “Polo View, in the heart of Srinagar, will now attract more footfall, increase retail sales, and improve the experience for visitors. The Srinagar Smart City is developing similar markets in areas like Residency road, Lal Chowk, and the old city,” Mr. Sinha said.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi “for the unparalleled growth” of the Union Territory. “Economic development is gaining new momentum, pace of completion of projects has increased nine times and every section of society is feeling empowered,” he added.
Shopkeepers and locals were also upbeat about the 450-feet-long double-row market. “The spaces created for families and students will add to the experience of shoppers,” said Rafiq Ahmad, a shopkeeper. They expect more footfall as high-end tourists from Europe return to Srinagar. Several shopkeepers remember having served Bollywood stars like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shami Kapoor in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
