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Jain Performs ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for Renovation Project

Chandigarh, May 09, 2026. The ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ (groundbreaking ceremony) for the renovation project of Shastri Market, Sector 22, was performed this morning by Mr. Satya Pal Jain, former Member of Parliament from Chandigarh and Additional Solicitor General of India following a traditional and ceremonial worship ritual. Present as distinguished guests on this occasion were former Mayor of Chandigarh Davesh Moudgil, local Councillor Daman Preet Singh Badal, Chief Architect of the Chandigarh Administration Rajiv Mehta, and Architect Vinod Joshi.

    Speaking on the occasion of the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’, Mr. Satya Pal Jain, former MP and Additional Solicitor General of India, remarked, "My association with Shastri Market dates back to the time when I used to work in newspaper distribution." Jain stated that the city's old markets are not merely centers of commerce; rather, they serve as the very heartbeat of its social, cultural, and economic life. He informed that this project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Upon its reconstruction, Shastri Market is set to emerge as a model project in its own right one in which the collaborative participation of the administration and the shopkeepers will set a sterling example.

    Mr. Davesh Moudgil, former Mayor of Chandigarh and member of the Administrator's Advisory Council, stated that this project represents a significant stride toward strengthening urban infrastructure, improving civic amenities, and fostering sustainable development. Moudgil noted that while the administration has granted approval for this project, the entire cost of the undertaking will be borne by the shopkeepers themselves. He added that, following the successful completion of the Shastri Market project, efforts will be made to replicate this model in other locations across Chandigarh.

    Providing details regarding the project, Mukesh Goyal, President of Shastri Market, stated that the initiative is estimated to be completed at a cost ranging from ₹6 to ₹8 crore. Under this project, the floor levels of the shops will be raised by approximately three feet, the ceiling heights will be increased, the market will be converted to run on solar energy, and between 100 to 150 CCTV cameras will be installed to enhance security. Additionally, arrangements will be made for water tanks, Wi-Fi facilities, and organized parking. 

    Among others, General Secretary of the Shastri Market Welfare Association, Puneet Kapoor Bawa, Vice Presidents Hansraj and Wasim Khan, Joint Secretary Kanwaljit Singh, Cashier Sachin Kukreja, Advisor Manjit Singh Chadha, former Senior Cashier Shri Krishna Kumar, Vijay, Veera, former BJP Secretary Sat Pal Gupta, Jasjit Singh, Ritesh Sharma, Gitanjali Wadhwa, Sushant Maudgil and other dignitaries were present at this event.