AC mart to boost carpet industry in eastern UP

One of the biggest projects under the Carpet Cluster Project,the mart will cost around Rs 20 crore.

Deputy Director at the Office of Development Commissioner,M Singh,said: “The mart will certainly give the much needed boost to the 350-year-old industry. So far,manufacturers could display their carpets only at their units or at carpet fairs in Varanasi and Delhi. There was no place where all of them could come together round the year. This mart will fulfill this purpose. And to provide the best facilities and attract both national and international buyers,we will make this mart completely air-conditioned.”

The Carpet Cluster Project,with a budget of around Rs 76 crore,promises to give a bigger market to the carpet industry. Recently,the Bhadohi carpets were given GI certification — a major step in the growth of the industry.

“After the GI certification,the value of these carpets has increased in the international market. We need to trap buyers by providing them with the best products at one place,” said Singh.

The office has shortlisted two venues — Babatpur in Varanasi for its proximity to the airport and Madhosinh on the Varanasi-Bhadohi highway. The final decision will be taken within this financial year.