3 days ago
From pavement to shopfront: Mohali mechanics get their own market after four decades
A long-pending dream of Mohali's motor and scooter mechanics came true on Thursday when MLA Kulwant Singh handed over Letters of Intent (LOIs) for 224 newly sanctioned 14.22 sq yard shops in a dedicated Motor & Scooter Market — modelled on Chandigarh's iconic motor markets.
The new market, located near Kambli village in Sector 65, will house mechanics from Mohali village market and Phase 7, giving them a proper workplace after decades of working under tarpaulins, tin sheds, and makeshift boxes along the roadside.
Scooter Market President Gurvinder Singh Sohal could barely contain his joy.
'I applied for the GMADA survey years ago. Now, with our own shops in an open space, our happiness is unbounded. We've gone from roadside box owners to shop owners — thanks to God and to the MLA for giving us such a beautiful gift on the eve of Independence Day. God has rewarded more than 40 years of our hard work. This will benefit city residents and ease the problems of Phase 7,' he said.
Mohali Village Motor Market President Amandeep Singh Abhiyana called it 'a historic and commendable step.'
'For years, governments only gave promises, not space. MLA Kulwant Singh worked tirelessly with us to achieve what others never could. Today, our dreams stand on solid ground,' he said.
Kulwant Singh had raised the issue in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, pressing for resolution of the pending RERA number that had stalled the project. GMADA has now cleared it, paving the way for construction.
Addressing the gathering, the MLA assured that the new market would boost employment and ensure planned city growth. 'Mechanics left out in the first survey will get their rightful place after a re-survey. Build your shops as per GMADA's plan, and I will personally stand with you against any future obstacles,' he said, thanking CM Bhagwant Mann for personally intervening.
On Thursday, 25 mechanics received their LOIs on stage, while the rest will get them online.
