BMP to give facelift to 10 City markets

The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has decided to renovate markets, including the City Market, which are in a dilapidated condition.

The BMP will be taking up a comprehensive development of 10 markets in the City, including Johnson, Seshadripuram, Mavalli, Yediyur, Austin Town, Cox Town, Akkipet, Malleswaram and Gandhi Bazaar markets.

According to a senior BMP (market) official, the SKR Market will be renovated at a cost of Rs 1.3 crore and the work has already begun. Already, Rs 60 lakh has been earmarked for renovating Russel Market in Shivajinagar. Tender process has been completed, while the Gandhi Bazaar market renovation plan is in the approval stage, he said.

Except for the SKR and Russel markets, the BMP has been planning to rebuild other markets. They would be built on a Build-OperateTransfer basis. Malleswaram market will be built at a cost of Rs 150 crore, while Rs 25 crore may be required for other markets.

Expert opinion is being sought for renovating the Public Utility Building and Jayanagar commercial complexes.

The BMP also plans to complete renovation of KR Market by Nov 15. "The BMP plans to evict hawkers on the eastern side of SKR Market. The place will be developed into an attractive park to prevent hawkers and footpath vendors from encroaching it." BMP deputy commissioner (market) L Srinivasaiah said civic amenities like drinking water and toilets will be provided.

He said the market areas will be declared a silent zone between 10 pm and 5 am for maintaining cleanliness. As per the police recommendations, closed-circuit televisions will be installed for surveillance.