New Pathways Open for Heritage and Development in Prayagraj A City Rooted in Faith, Culture and Politics Steps Confidently into Modernity

Deeply grounded in religion, culture and politics, Prayagraj is steadily reinventing itself to meet the demands of a new era.

The city—and its expanding urban limits—is witnessing the launch of multiple new projects that signal a balanced approach to heritage preservation and modern development.

Proposals for a Sanskriti Gram (Cultural Village), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial, Urban Market, and Vending Zones are set to write a new chapter in Prayagraj’s growth story.

These initiatives aim to strengthen tourism, generate employment, and enhance civic amenities, while celebrating India’s cultural diversity.

The proposed Sanskriti Gram will introduce visitors to traditional arts and crafts, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial will contribute to children’s mental and physical development, and the Urban Market and Vending Zones are expected to create livelihoods for thousands.

Urban Market and Vending Zone Planned on Sarojini Naidu Marg

An Urban Market along with a Vending Zone will be developed on Sarojini Naidu Marg in the Civil Lines area. This will be the city’s first Urban Market, and its contract has been awarded to a private agency. The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation will oversee the development of the vending zone along the same stretch.

Preparatory work for both projects has already begun. Similar to a night market, the Urban Market will be operated by a private agency under municipal supervision.

The current beautification layout along the roadside will be modified to accommodate the new facilities.

Dipendra Yadav, Additional Municipal Commissioner, confirmed that the Urban Market contract has been awarded to a Prayagraj-based institution.

The construction will take place under the supervision of the Municipal Corporation. A vending zone will be developed adjacent to the Urban Market.

Importantly, the vending zone will rehabilitate only those street vendors who were earlier displaced from Sarojini Naidu Marg and Dayanand Marg.

Vendor unions had opposed the Urban Market project, arguing that vendors were being removed without proper rehabilitation.

They remained firm on their demand that a vending zone be established on Sarojini Naidu Marg as earlier promised. Due to this stiff opposition, no private agency was initially willing to bid for the Urban Market tender.

According to the Additional Municipal Commissioner, the project will also include dedicated roadside parking facilities, easing congestion in the busy commercial area.

Permanent Sanskriti Gram to Be Built in Mahewa

One of the most talked-about attractions during the Mahakumbh 2025—the Sanskriti Gram—is now set to become a permanent cultural landmark in Prayagraj.

The permanent structure will be built in Mahewa, near Munj village, after earlier plans to locate it at Naini Arail were dropped due to overlapping development projects.

During Mahakumbh 2025, a temporary Sanskriti Gram was created, showcasing the cultural heritage of various Indian states.

The overwhelming public response and its contribution to tourism prompted the government to approve a permanent version of the project.

Initially, land was explored within the city and later near the Arail Ghat in Naini. However, with several projects already planned in that area, the proposal could not be implemented there.

Authorities have now identified a 2.5-acre plot in Mahewa, and a detailed proposal is being sent to the government.

The construction of the permanent Sanskriti Gram is estimated to cost around ₹7 crore.

The survey and planning process involved teams from the district administration, revenue department, municipal corporation, Prayagraj Development Authority, and police department.

Officials stated that the process is nearly complete and is now awaiting final government approval.

Showcasing Cultural Heritage from Across India

The permanent Sanskriti Gram will feature the cultural heritage of all major Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and others.

Each state’s unique traditions, art forms, and architectural elements will be showcased to attract tourists and offer visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Together, these projects underline Prayagraj’s transformation into a city where heritage and development move hand in hand, opening new doors for tourism, employment, and sustainable urban growth.

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