For goods loaders, shifting from Yeshwantpur APMC means higher rents, longer walks, empty plates

Bengaluru: The proposed relocation of onion, potato, garlic, and ginger traders from the APMC Yeshwantpur to Dasanapura has come as a rude shock to over 2,000 hamalis (goods loaders) and women labourers.

Though the original order was issued in 2022 and the matter is still before the Karnataka High Court, with the next hearing on July 3, the hamalis, who briefly worked at Dasanapura during the Covid period, recall the experience as “nightmarish”.

On Wednesday, DH visited the Dasanapura APMC. Located in northwest Bengaluru, it lies about 18 km from the Yeshwantpur APMC and takes over an hour to reach during morning traffic.

Traffic woes

While the APMC has cited traffic congestion as a reason for the shift, DH’s field visit confirmed that the narrow five-km stretch from Makali to Dasanapura faces worse traffic snarls.

For most hamalis, the day begins by 4 am, unloading sacks brought in by farmers. Women labourers clean shops and take up odd jobs through the day.

"We have been here since our parents’ time. Some hamalis hold title deeds, others pay rent of Rs 1,500–2,000. It is impossible to move to Dasanapura, where houses cost Rs 6,000–7,000 monthly,” said Lakshmanan H, president of the Hamali Workers Union.

Their children are enrolled in schools around Yeshwantpur, and a shift would separate families. "There’s no regular bus service. Even if we earn Rs 1,000 on a good day, nearly Rs 500 goes in travel and food because Dasanapura lacks affordable hotels,” said Damu, a hamali who has worked at Dasanapura for a year.

Lack of facilities

“The place lacks basic water and toilet facilities. It is unsafe for women to travel after dusk,” said Uma, a labourer at the Yeshwantpur APMC for 35 years.

Calling the Dasanapura area “dangerous”, Uday Shankar, president of the Onion and Potato Traders Association, added, “Robberies are common there. Even the local MLA (Yelahanka) SR Vishwanath had sought security. We have decades of trust with our hamalis. Employing new ones will be a risk.”

Health risks

The work is physically punishing, with hamalis unloading up to 100 sacks of 50 kg each on busy days. The proposed move would mean longer distances on foot and no nearby hospitals. “Nearly half our workforce is aged over 50. If someone gets injured there, what are we to do?” asked Lakshmanan (50).

Repeated calls by DH to KC Doreswamy, Secretary, APMC Bengaluru, went unanswered.