Who owns Khan market in Delhi and who collects rent for its shops? Know interesting facts about India’s costliest retail market

The market gained widespread attention five years ago when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the term "Khan Market gang," sparking curiosity among people.

Khan Market is known as Delhi’s most expensive market. It is often called the “heart of Delhi” because of its prime location near iconic landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and other significant buildings. This area is home to high-ranking officials and affluent individuals, and it is also referred to as the market of Lutyens’ Delhi.

The market gained widespread attention five years ago when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the term “Khan Market gang,” sparking curiosity among people. However, Khan Market is special for more than just its name. It is a popular destination for shopping and enjoying delicious food, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The Origin of Khan Market

Khan Market was established in 1951 to provide homes for people who migrated to India from Pakistan during the partition. The design featured shops on the ground floor and residential spaces above. The market was named after Abdul Jabbar Khan, a freedom fighter and the brother of Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Abdul Jabbar Khan played a crucial role during the partition by helping Hindus safely migrate from Pakistan to India.

Initially, the market consisted of just three houses, but over time, the residential spaces gave way to restaurants and shops. Today, Khan Market has grown into a bustling hub with thousands of establishments.

Who Manages the Shops?

Most of the shops in Khan Market are on lease. In the early days, the rent for these shops was as low as Rs. 50 per month. Later, under a resettlement ministry plan in 1956, shops were allotted for Rs. 6,516 each.

Currently, the average rent for a commercial space in Khan Market is between Rs 1,800 and Rs 2,200 per square foot, , and their monthly rent exceeds Rs. 6 lakh.  Hundreds of shops in the market are under government control, and their monthly rent exceeds Rs. 6 lakh. Some shops are managed by the municipal corporation. At one point, Home Minister Rajnath Singh proposed renaming the market, but local shop owners opposed the idea, and the name remained unchanged.

Khan Market today stands as a symbol of Delhi’s history, culture, and luxury, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the city.