Historic markets for a new look

Also, it would help check parking woes to an extent unloading   pressure on the city roads.

It has been decided to reconstruct the good old Devaraja, Vani Vilasa and Mandi Markets-all standing since 125 years more or less, in line with their heritage beauty at the estimated cost of several crores of rupees.

According to the proposals, it is intended to take up the work on Devaraja Market-either by conserving the existing status with minor repairs or develop the inside portion constructing a multi-storeyed structure retaining the good old facade. While the first project doing away with some repair works includes adding stalls is estimated to cost ` 12.61 crore, the latter may cost ` 27.04 crore as the project involves razing the stalls inside to construct two cellars, first and second floors where the stalls would come up.

The cellars would be the timely answer for the parking woes the city is facing, especially with the market goers on Sayyaji Rao Road. The cellars would make space for 250 cars and 500 two-wheelers.

The market is interwoven with the history of Mysore. It was the gift of the then rulers who constructed the market in 1886 for the benefit of both farmers and citizens.

Vani Vilasa Market at N Madhava Rao Circle a contemporary of Devaraja is crumbling day by day, especially after a heavy rain that brought a section of the roof down several years ago. Calculated at ` 15 crore the market would be rebuilt on the existing model boasting of two cellars for parking in ground floor, first and second floors. The cellars here can hold 85 cars and 200 two-wheelers.

Similarly, Mandi Market that is also equally old will be built on the existing model at the estimated cost of ` 12 crore. It also would comprise two cellars in the ground, first and second floors. The cellars here may provide space for 50 cars and 150 two-wheelers.

On the issue of awarding the works MCC has two options-to take up the project on its own utilising available resources or going for public-private-participation (PPP) model.
For traders
Taking cognisance of the traders (tenants) in the market, if the works are launched, temporary arrangements will be made for them in the immediate vicinity of respective markets, or at the corporation owned stalls in other parts of the city. Once the works are complete, the traders would be shifted to the same markets and stalls will be rented out according to the prevailing market ate.

However, the works are yet to get the nod of MCC council and is expected to be taken up for discussion on November 30.