Amritsar: The multi-crore Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Complex, located near Bhandari Bridge, has reportedly fallen into severe disrepair, with shopkeepers demanding urgent intervention from the Municipal Corporation.
Constructed between 1999 and 2000, the commercial project was envisioned as a modern marketplace with parking facilities to streamline traffic management in the city. The complex includes basement parking and nearly 100 shops across the ground and first floors. However, due to years of poor maintenance, the building now resembles an abandoned structure.
Shopkeepers working at the complex say the biggest issue is inadequate lighting, which has led to frequent thefts. They claim that during nighttime, the premises turn into a safe haven for anti-social elements and drug addicts. Basic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, and electricity are also reportedly in poor condition.
Architect Karamjit Singh, owner of Narula Transport, along with Tejinder Singh Narula and other shopkeepers, stated that repeated requests for improvements have not yielded results. They informed Assistant Commissioner Vishal Wadhawan about the situation, who reportedly directed SDO Surinder Singh of the street lighting department to address the issue.
According to the shopkeepers, although the SDO inspected the site, no streetlights were installed. They alleged that the official dismissed the request, stating that installing lights would be pointless if they were later stolen and questioning who would take responsibility.
The traders have expressed frustration, asking where citizens should turn if the concerned department itself is unwilling to improve the situation. They are now urging the Municipal Corporation to take immediate steps to restore safety and essential services at the complex.
