Markets in for facelift

Markets in for facelift
The BBMP has plans to remodel major markets in the city.
The TImes of India

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) has come out with some ambitious plans to upgrade and remodel major markets in the city. Shopping for fruits and vegetables will be a more pleasant experience once the project is through. Markets in Malleswaram, Seshadripuram, Johnson Town, Austin Town, City Market and the Jayanagar Shopping Complex areas are to receive a facelift. The Public Utility Building on M G Road will also be given a modern look that will help revise rents and generate more revenue for the department.
Malleswaram market
The Malleswaram market will receive a huge facelift and will be developed into a commercial complex, as there's a great demand for modern, commercial plazas. The project, which will be implemented on DEBOT basis (design-build-operate-transfer) is being taken up at a cost of Rs 50 crores. Tenders have already been invited and the project is expected to be completed 15 months after entering into an agreement with builders, according to Deputy Commisioner (Markets) L Sreenivasiah.
There are plans to utilise the eastern side of Sampige Road for the purpose, along with the existing main market area, which is about 19,000 square feet. It will be developed into a modern, peoplefriendly market complex, with car parking facility for 400 cars, in addition to the mandatory parking facilities. There will be basement and multi-level car parking facilities to ensure that the crossroads remain decongested. The market will cater to the needs of residents of Malleswaram, Srirampuram, Vyalikaval and Kumara Park areas.
City and Russel markets Work is already in progress on modernising the City Market and Russel Market areas at a cost of Rs 2.5 crores. The project is scheduled to be completed in three months' time. The City Market building has been painted, a new clock has been installed and in due course, there are plans to develop a hawker-zone with platforms exclusively for them. This should make shopping a pleasant experience and avoid congestion within the market complex. City market will then regain its past glory.
More markets
Smaller markets in Mavalli, Yediyur, Cox Town, Akkipet, Cubbonpet, Srirampuram, Wilson Garden and Lakkasandra are also being considered for remodeling.
When all these proposals are through, the BBMP's annual revenue of license fee, which is slotted at Rs 22 crores for the year 2006-07, is likely to go up to Rs 50 crores. The BBMP is also planning to entrust the cleaning, housekeeping and maintenance of these modern markets to private agencies for their smooth and efficient functioning.