BBMP floats tenders worth Rs 50 crore to upgrade Bengaluru’s City Market, traders say they smell scam

Bengaluru: The BBMP's idea to revamp the historical Krishnarajendra Market under the Smart City project has not been received well by traders as they expressed doubt over BBMP’s commitments. The traders say that this will be just another “money churner” project for officials concerned. Traders said the new market complex was built 20 years ago and ever since it was opened to public and traders, the third floor has been lying vacant while hawkers supported by the mafia are spread across the street. There is no security, no compound wall or gate, the market lacks toilets and drinking water facility. Parking is another big issue, and all these have all been discussed several times. Illegal shops have been constructed in areas designated for ventilation. Due to this, the market has witnessed over 10 incidents of fire. Traders have demanded that the BBMP address these concerns first and then proceed with the project.

However, the officials are confident of winning traders over. An official from Bengaluru Smart City Limited said that the idea is put the state-of-art pedestrian bridge to connect Chickpet Metro station and KR Market. The idea is to keep traders and shoppers and visitors happy. Bids for the project will begin on May 15.