The Gokulpeth Mall Project in Nagpur, which has been eagerly anticipated for almost two decades, is finally starting to come to completion. The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) have joined forces to bring the project to life. Recent progress indicates that the project is gaining momentum, with notices being sent out to shops located in the deteriorating building, guiding them to vacate.

Shop owners have been formally instructed by the NIT to clear the neglected premises and transfer possession to the NIT West Division. The NIT's plan involves regaining construction expenses by allocating space within the future construction. This is a significant step towards realizing the ambitious project, which urgently needs renovation due to the building's current state. The structure has fallen into disrepair, with sections of the cantilever collapsing and rainwater leakage wreaking havoc on the shops. This has forced many shops on the upper floors to close down, with only the shops facing West High Court remaining operational.

The Gokulpeth Mall Project is not just about the building itself, but also the area behind it, which encompasses an open market and small shops falling within the purview of the NMC. Unfortunately, this area has suffered from neglect and disorder for over a decade. The stalls and shops within the market lie vacant, creating an unproductive and squalid environment.

To move the Gokulpeth Mall Project forward, the NIT will be responsible for its execution and will subsequently share the generated revenue with the NMC. The concept of the mall was initially proposed by the NMC back in 2004. However, disputes with the NIT led to substantial delays in its implementation. In 2014, the NIT enlisted an architect and proposed a multi-story mall spanning ground level to the 21st floor, although these blueprints did not come to fruition.

The Gokulpeth Mall Project has enormous potential for the city, promising economic expansion, heightened commercial enterprises, and enhanced infrastructure. With the NIT and NMC pooling their resources, there is renewed optimism that this venture will soon become a vibrant reality. The project's stakeholders will need to adeptly navigate potential challenges, collaborating harmoniously to establish a thriving commercial nucleus that adeptly serves the needs of residents and visitors alike. The project's success would undoubtedly enrich the local community and contribute to Nagpur's overall development.