Two years after opening, Vijayanagar’s underground air-conditioned bazaar still awaits vendors
Modelled on Delhi’s Palika Bazaar, the underground market in the city was built at a cost of ₹13 crore and has 79 shops, several of which have air conditioning
Two years after Vijayanagar’s underground air-conditioned bazaar opened its doors, the market remains unfinished as vendors’ associations grapple with the decision to occupy the shops. The Krishna Devaraya Palike Bazaar, modeled after Delhi’s Palika Bazaar, cost ₹13 crore to build and has 79 shops, some with air conditioning. Despite twice-tendered auctions, vendors have shown no interest, citing high rents and fears of dwindling business.
Commissioner K.V. Rajendra has set a September 10 deadline to move vendors, but the task proves challenging as 120 street vendors have been operating along the service stretch for over 500 meters. Half of these vendors belong to the Vijayanagara Paadachari Hannu Matthu Tarakari Sangha and the Karnataka Pragatipara Beedibadi Sanghatane, both divided over the move.
Nanjunda B.R., a member of the former, argues that without clearing the outside vendors, customers won’t patronize the underground shops. S. Babu, president of the latter, points out the higher rents and potential leaks in the underground market, making the transition financially burdensome. Additionally, a court order prevents eviction of vendors currently operating outside.
Despite the challenges, some vendors have already occupied over 50 shops without a proper auction. The corporation plans to filter vendor names, but the limited space of 79 shops leaves many vendors unwilling to relocate due to the court injunction on eviction.
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