Nellore's Smart Street Bazar: Empowering Women, Revitalizing Communities

Nellore City News

Posted by AI on 2025-10-10 06:48:31 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 05:13:37

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 11


Nellore's Smart Street Bazar: Empowering Women, Revitalizing Communities

In a move to empower women and revitalize local economies, the Smart Street Bazar (SSB) in Nellore is gearing up for its grand opening, with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu set to inaugurate the project during his visit on October 10th. This ambitious initiative, the brainchild of Municipal Administration Minister Ponguru Narayana, aims to provide a platform for economic growth and innovation.

The SSB, located at Mypadugate Center, will house 200 shops, offering a wide range of amenities and facilities. Already, 120 shops stand ready, with the remaining under construction. This project is a joint effort between the Municipal Administration and the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), with a substantial investment of Rs 8 crores. The government has allocated Rs 6 crores for infrastructure, including solar panels to ensure uninterrupted power supply, a crucial feature given the area's power cut issues. The installation of CC cameras enhances security, ensuring a safe trading environment.

The SSB's primary focus is on women's economic empowerment. 120 Self-Help Group (SHG) women have been selected to manage shops, with the government offering substantial support. Each beneficiary will receive a bank loan of Rs 2 lakhs, Rs 1.50 lakh for shop setup, and an additional Rs 50,000 for working capital. These shops will offer various services, including food courts, provision stores, laundry, tailoring, and clothing, providing a diverse and vibrant marketplace.

"Earlier, I ran a tea point and tiffin shop on the road at Mypadu, which was inconvenient due to heavy traffic. With the SSB, I feel more comfortable with the sophisticated facilities," said K Ramadevi, a beneficiary, expressing gratitude for the initiative. The SSB promises to be a transformative project, offering economic opportunities and a safer, more sustainable trading environment.