The historic Gole Market in New Delhi, a 12-sided marvel with six entrances and a central courtyard, is being revitalised as a museum dedicated to leading women from various sectors. The project, which aims at celebrating the contributions of iconic women to the society, is slated for completion by 2025-end. According to a note from the Lieutenant Governor office, L-G V K Saxena has issued directions to officials concerned that the work be completed by July 2025, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in the Capital next year. Originally proposed in 2006, the plan to convert this British-era market has been facing several challenges. Efforts to complete the transformation before the 2010 Commonwealth Games were halted due to a series of court cases, causing a prolonged standstill. It was not until 2023 that the work resumed in earnest. In a council meeting on June 29 last year, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) set a revised deadline of December 2024, with an optimistic target to finish by 2023-end. However, to ensure the project meets its high standards, the completion date has now been extended to late 2025. The building’s initial condition was dire: Interiors had collapsed, overgrowth covered walls and roofs, and debris was scattered throughout. Restoration efforts included clearing old roof sheets, removing old doors and structures, and conducting anti-termite treatments. Concrete has been laid to strengthen the structure, though delays in foundation wall reinforcement due to a consultant’s approval have caused minor setbacks. “The delay will be recovered in a few days,” stated the redevelopment plan. A new subway from the nearby taxi stand will serve as the museum’s main entrance, leading visitors to a central courtyard with granite paving and outdoor seating. A striking dome-shaped roof made of glass and steel will be visible from the area. Surrounding the courtyard will be a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, and four display rooms dedicated to the Delhi Durbar, the planning and construction of Delhi, and its iconic buildings. The first floor will feature a service block for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, an abstract installation library, a multi-purpose room, office and IT spaces, and three more display rooms which will delve into the archives of British-era news, the Partition of India, and the country’s Independence. The museum’s theme — “Veerangna: The Iconic Women of Delhi from All Fields” — will highlight the contributions of leading women from various sectors. Exhibits will honour luminaries such as Sushma Swaraj, Rani Laxmi Bai, Pandita Ramabai Saraswati, Kalpana Chawla, Mother Teresa, Kiran Bedi, and Sister Nivedita among others. “We aim to convert the Gole Market into a beacon of knowledge, focusing on the contributions of eminent women personalities to Delhi’s development and their pivotal roles in the freedom movement… Visitors can anticipate an engaging exhibition featuring immersive visual displays and informative panels showcasing the remarkable stories of these influential women,” NDMC Vice-Chairperson Satish Upadhyay had earlier told the Indian Express.
