Murgi Chowk reconstruction works remain in limbo

Hyderabad: Two years on, construction works at Murgi chowk complex remain pending as a result of which businesses in the vicinity are getting adversely affected.

The 135-year-old Murgi chowk market, also known as Mahboob chowk, was demolished in 2022 as it was in a dilapidated condition. A foundation stone was laid to rebuild it with an additional floor while retaining the original design.

Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) took up the refurbishing project with 292 shops across four blocks at a cost of Rs.36 crore. As an alternative, the existing shopkeepers were provided space at the old pension office, Khilwat Road, free of cost.

The authority’s chief engineer said “Due to contractual issues, construction has been delayed. They are planning to complete the project in the next six to eight months.”

Osman Ali, a 65-year-old shopkeeper who is continuing his father's business, said “I have been running my business in front of the construction site for the past two years in the hope that the works will be completed soon.”

Another vendor Mohd Saleem, who has been running his business in the temporary space in Khilwat, “I relocated to this place 18 months back. However, only a few like me got the space. The others are all doing business on the roads, while some have closed their business.”

Murgi Chowk built in the 1890s during the reign of the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, was first known for selling groceries, old objects and birds. Later, it became popular for its poultry outlets, hence the name Murgi Chowk.