Tea stalls, also known as chai ki dukaan or chai wallahs, are essential to Indian culture and daily life. They serve as a social hub where people gather to chat, relax, and enjoy a cup of chai (tea). Tea stalls can be found all over India, from bustling cities to small villages, and are often run by small business owners. They also provide a source of employment for many people. Additionally, tea stalls are considered an affordable luxury for many, as a cup of chai is relatively inexpensive and accessible to people from all walks of life.
Sonu Kumar Jha, a tea and gutka seller, who hails from Darbhanga district in Bihar, has agreed to pay a 1,203% higher amount than the base rent of a 7.59-meter kiosk located in the upscale Sector-18 market of Noida. The auction for the kiosk, known as K-3, was conducted by the Noida Authority, and the base rent for the kiosk was set at Rs 27,000 per month.
Jha, who was among 20 contenders who participated in the auction process, will have to deposit 14 months' rent in advance, which amounts to approximately Rs 45 lakh, to the Noida Authority in order to take possession of the kiosk. The kiosk is located near triangle park in front of McDonald's in the Sector-18 market.
During an interview, Sonu said that everyone was shocked that he could make such a high bid but his only focus was on how to grow the business. He was happiest that he won this bid.
Digambar Jha, Sonu's father, confirmed that his son will pay Rs 3.25 lakhs in rent. He is confident that his son will recoup the rent and profit from the business, which has become well-known throughout the city. He also mentioned how his son bet the bid of Rs. 3.15 lakhs per month for the same kiosk. Apart from selling regular tea, cigarettes, bidi and gutka, his family will now also focus on keeping various food items.
