The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will be issuing vending certificates to about 475 vendors operating in the historic Russell Market at Shivajinagar ahead of the commencement of work to revamp the market. The BBMP had recently floated the tender for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR).
This exercise aims to identify genuine traders who have been conducting business in the market for many years. The market is popular for trading fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and mutton. As the market is in a dilapidated condition, currently many traders operate from outside the market. After issuing certificates, the vendors will be moved to a nearby location during the renovation work. According to a source in the BBMP, a multistoried building will be constructed with lifts, parking areas, cold storage, and other amenities.
Shivajinagar MLA, Rizwan Arshad said the revamp of the market will be done at an estimated cost of ₹40 crore. The facelift will be given retaining the heritage aesthetics of the market. Mr. Arshad said the work will be carried out in a phased manner in the interest of businesses.
“We have a plaza near the market and traders can be shifted here. We will soon finalise the location after issuing certificates,” he said.
Mohammad Idris Choudhary, General Secretary, Russell Market Traders Association said after the fire incident in 2012, the condition of the market started to deteriorate. The BBMP has been planning renovation for a very long time but it did not happen due to multiple issues.
“At present, the plight of the market is at its worst and modernisation is the need of the hour. Of 475 vendors, only 150 vendors operate from inside the market. The rest sit on the roadside as customers do not show interest to come inside,” he said.
The decision to renovate the space was taken after deliberation among vendors, Mr. Arshad, and BBMP officials. The association has also agreed for a multi-storey building because it provides ample space for parking. This is a big boost for business.
