BBMP’s Palike Bazaar project stalls

The much-hyped Palike Bazaar project in Vijayanagar, launched with the promise of becoming South India’s first air-conditioned underground market, is now mired in delays, confusion, and unauthorized occupation. Despite costing ₹13 crore and taking nearly seven years to complete, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has yet to officially allot the 79 constructed shops.

Originally envisioned to rehabilitate street vendors from the congested service road of Vijayanagar, the market now hosts around 25 vendors operating illegally, many of whom claim they are incurring daily losses due to poor footfall and lack of visibility.

Devraj M., president of the Bengaluru District Street Vendors’ Association, expressed frustration, stating that although a vendor survey was conducted in 2021, those listed have been ignored while outsiders have taken over stalls without following due process. Vendors allege that political influence played a role in unauthorized allotments, though current occupants have denied revealing whom they pay rent to. BBMP officials have promised that a tender process will be initiated soon for proper allotment. However, they remain silent on how the current occupants acquired access.

Local traders argue the project is failing due to lack of public awareness, absence of signage, and road work outside the market hindering access. “Instead of road digging now, the focus should be on attracting customers and completing shop allotments,” said vendor Prasad K. With confusion, encroachment, and lack of strategy hampering progress, many fear that the entire Palike Bazaar initiative could collapse unless the BBMP takes swift corrective action.