BDA plans to renovate four City markets

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has finalised plans to renovate Malleswaram, Seshadripuram, Jayanagar and K R Puram markets.

The renovation contracts, to cost Rs 450 crore, have been awarded to three major developers from the City and outside.

The Jayanagar market complex, which is located in 4th block of the suburb, will be renovated and rebuilt as a shopping complex with a multiplex.

“We have given the contract to Nagarjuna Constructions and work will be completed in two years. Work has already started and is expected to be completed within the timeframe,” said BDA Engineer Member Chickrayappa.

At the Malleswaram market, 263 shops will be demolished and developed. The BDA is to take up the project in two phases.

“As the first phase gets under way, we will accommodate shopkeepers in the other end of the same market. They will be vacated at the beginning of the second phase of construction,” said Chickrayappa. The contract has been handed to a developer, Vijay Kumar. The BDA has claimed that it has already started work on the project.

N Venkataswamy, president of the Malleswaram market, however, said no notice has been issued to them on the commencement of the project.

The Seshadripuram market renovation contract has been given to A S Channa Reddy. The BDA has already approached the police for its concurrence. “Even the health department is processing the file to issue concurrence over the re-construction,” said a BDA official.

However, the BBMP may ditch the shopkeepers in the four markets, as it plans to declare their lease agreements null and void, as it has handed over the four markets to the BDA.

Subramanya, a vendor at the Seshadripuram market, said the very thought of a new market will threaten their existence. “We live on daily earnings. It is learnt that the BDA has even sought police protection for clearing the existing market as vendors of the market are against it,” he said.

BDA officials said the Palike had been asked to issue letters to the shopkeepers assuring them of rehabilitation. “After the rehabilitation centre is completed, shopkeepers will be requested to relocate there,” explained a BDA official.