BWCC Sets Sept 10 Deadline for Vijayanagar Underground Market as Vendors Split

The Bengaluru West City Corporation has set a deadline of September 10 to float tenders and relocate street vendors into the Krishna Devaraya Palike Bazaar in Vijayanagar, two years after the facility was inaugurated.

Modelled on Delhi's Palika Bazaar, the city's first underground air-conditioned market was constructed at a cost of ₹13 crore and houses 79 shops. Despite two previous tender attempts by the corporation, the market corridor remains mostly empty, with only four or five shops operational and parts of the facility experiencing rainwater leakage and poor maintenance.

More than 120 street vendors currently operate along a 500-metre service stretch of Chord Road outside the facility. Vendor associations are sharply divided over whether to shift into the underground complex.

Nanjunda B.R., representing the Vijayanagara Paadachari Hannu Matthu Tarakari Vyaparigala Kshembhivriddi Sangha, which includes nearly 70 vendors, said members are willing to relocate only if outdoor vending is cleared. He noted that customers do not descend into the underground market when street-level stalls remain open, making it impossible for underground vendors to generate business and cover rent.

In contrast, S. Babu, president of the Karnataka Pragatipara Beedibadi Vyaparigala Sanghatane representing about 30 vendors, opposed the move under current conditions. He cited high rents, shop leaks, and low vendor earnings, stating that members would consider moving only if granted a 25-year lease. Mr. Babu also noted that outdoor vendors are protected by a court stay order allowing them to trade along the stretch, provided carts are cleared after hours. His association continues to push for the street stretch to be formally declared a natural market.

BWCC Commissioner K.V. Rajendra said the civic body will filter a list of vendors following discussions with the local MLA to complete the auction process. However, the underground market can accommodate only 79 vendors, leaving the remaining vendors uncertain about their future.