Bengaluru's Rs 13 Crore Underground Market Faces Desertion Crisis
In the heart of Bengaluru, near the bustling Vijayanagar Metro station, the Krishnadevaraya Palike Bazaar stands as a stark symbol of unfulfilled potential. Completed at a cost of Rs 13 crore and inaugurated in August 2024, this underground air-conditioned market was once hailed as south India's first of its kind. However, it now presents a desolate picture, with the vibrant street life above sharply contrasting its empty corridors.
Market Remains Largely Vacant Despite Official Promotions
Despite being prominently featured in official budget documents, the market has failed to attract tenants and customers. Out of the 79 shops available in the complex, only five are currently occupied, and even these vendors report negligible footfall. Many of the allotted shop owners continue to operate from the pavement above, citing a lack of business inside the underground facility.
Ramanna, a coconut seller who was allotted a shop, shared his experience: "We were allotted shops inside, but there is no business there. We tried for over a year but failed." He eventually returned to the street after November, joining other vendors who prefer the visibility and accessibility of the open-air stalls.
Vendor Allotment and Eviction Challenges
Nearly 50 long-time vendors, many of whom are part of the Vijayanagar Fruit and Vegetable Vendors' Association, were prioritized for allotment in the new market. However, the transition has been fraught with difficulties. A group of street vendors secured a stay order from the court, halting eviction efforts from the street above.
Karthik K, who sells puja items and runs a shop inside the market, also maintains a stall outside. He expressed hope for the future: "Once all street vendors are cleared, people will have to come down. Then business may improve." Until the legal issues are resolved, traders believe the underground market will continue to struggle to attract customers.
Infrastructure Underuse and Operational Issues
The market's modern amenities, including a lift and two escalators, remain largely underused. To save on power costs, these facilities are often kept switched off. Krishnamurthy, a flower seller, explained: "There are only five of us. Running them would be a waste." Another vendor noted that a nearby transformer was once damaged due to the load from the escalators and lift, highlighting operational challenges.
Some traders have already shifted their business models to cope with losses. Naseer Ahmed, who previously sold fruits, now deals in garments and plastic goods. He lamented: "Even now, business is almost nil."
Official Optimism and Future Plans
Despite the current state, officials remain optimistic about the market's prospects. KV Rajendra, the commissioner of the Bengaluru West city corporation, stated: "We are working to resolve the issues within the next two months. The market is ready for tender and auction, and we are in the process of fixing rents in the prescribed format, taking various cost factors into account." The facility now comes under the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru West city corporation following the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
The future of the Krishnadevaraya Palike Bazaar hinges on resolving vendor eviction challenges and attracting more tenants. As Bengaluru continues to grow, this underground market represents both an ambitious infrastructure project and a cautionary tale about planning and community engagement in urban development.
