Urban Haat project stalls midway, Rs 10 crore spent with little to show

The ambitious Urban Haat project, envisioned as a permanent marketplace for local traders and artisans in Ranchi, remains incomplete years after its launch, with nearly Rs 10 crore already spent and no clear timeline for completion.

Planned on the lines of Delhi Haat, the Urban Haat was proposed near the Kanke Dam area to provide a dedicated platform for Jharkhand’s handicrafts, traditional cuisine and local businesses. Construction work began in 2016, but the project soon ran into trouble after questions were raised over its utility and feasibility. Acting on these concerns, the project was stalled midway on the directions of the then chief minister.

Since then, the partially constructed complex has fallen into neglect. Unfinished structures now lie amid overgrown vegetation, reflecting years of administrative inaction. What was once projected as a vibrant cultural and commercial hub has gradually turned into a symbol of stalled urban infrastructure.

Official records indicate that despite the project being halted, additional expenditure was approved in 2022. The Ranchi Municipal Corporation decided to allocate an additional Rs 11 crore to complete Urban Haat, but progress failed to materialise. Even after two years, the project did not move beyond the tender stage as no contractor came forward.

Sources within the municipal body said fresh attempts are now being made to revive the project through an e-tender process. The civic administration is also considering reworking the original concept by adding components such as a skill development centre, food courts and commercial galleries to attract private participation.

The original objective of Urban Haat was to offer local traders, artisans and craftsmen a permanent market space. The plan included stalls representing districts across Jharkhand, promotion of folk art and traditional cuisine, and training facilities for local youth. However, in the absence of execution, the project’s presence today is largely limited to a weathered signboard marking the site.

Urban planners and policy observers note that the Urban Haat episode highlights a recurring problem of stalled public projects, where significant public funds are spent without timely completion or accountability. With costs rising and delays mounting, the total expenditure is likely to increase further unless the revival plan translates into concrete action.

For now, Urban Haat stands half-built near Kanke Dam, raising uncomfortable questions about planning, continuity and governance in Ranchi’s urban development.