In a significant shift for Ahmedabad's famed textile trade, a substantial group of merchants from the iconic New Cloth Market have decided to establish a new operational base in the city's Piplaj area. This move is driven by the need to be closer to key textile processing hubs and to escape persistent urban congestion.
Historic Market Seeks Modern Solutions
The decision, agreed upon in principle by around 125 textile traders, marks a potential new chapter for a market with deep historical roots. Gaurang Bhagat, president of the New Cloth Market and Maskati Cloth Market Mahajan, outlined the market's legacy. He noted that the parent body, Maskati Mahajan, first established the Maskati Kapad Market near Kalupur in 1906. The current New Cloth Market in Raipur was inaugurated in 1962 by the then President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Today, this market houses over 1,000 traders operating from approximately 400 shops. However, after more than six decades, the location faces acute challenges. "There are issues of traffic and parking," Bhagat explained. The primary motivation for the move to Piplaj is its proximity to the textile processing units located in Narol and Danilimda. Being near the SP Ring Road will also facilitate easier transportation.
Logistics at the Heart of the Move
The relocation is not merely about convenience but is crucial for business efficiency. The New Cloth Market is a powerhouse in the national fabric trade. According to estimates cited by Bhagat, the market dispatches a staggering around 1 crore metre of cotton fabric daily across India. Many traders are also involved in manufacturing, making proximity to process houses a strategic imperative.
A meeting has been scheduled for January 5 to discuss the proposed new market complex in Piplaj. The plan envisions individual houses with various modern facilities, a stark contrast to the cramped conditions of the old city.
A Trend of Decentralization
The New Cloth Market is not alone in seeking greener pastures outside the congested city core. This decision reflects a broader trend among Ahmedabad's traditional wholesale markets. In a parallel development, traders based in Madhupura have also taken steps to decentralize.
Lalit Shah, secretary of the Amdavad Nava Madhupura Mahajan, confirmed that their city-based market grapples with similar problems of transportation, traffic, and parking. They have collaborated with a builder for a new market near Kamod Circle, close to the SP Ring Road. Out of about 200 shops in the old market, 32-35 traders have already booked spaces in the new facility, which is set to become operational soon.
These collective moves signal a reshaping of Ahmedabad's commercial geography. As historic markets evolve, their relocation towards major ring roads and industrial clusters aims to sustain and grow their monumental contribution to India's textile economy by solving critical logistical bottlenecks.
