Mangaluru's New Central Market Complex Nears Opening After 5-Year Wait
Mangaluru residents will soon see their new Central Market complex become fully operational. This development comes nearly five years after authorities demolished the old 60-year-old market building. The Mangaluru Smart City Limited developed this modern complex under a public-private partnership model.
Shop Numbering Completed, Auctions Coming Soon
The Mangaluru City Corporation has finished allotting door numbers to all shops and business establishments within the new complex. MCC officials confirm that the auction process for these commercial spaces will begin within the next two to three weeks.
"We have completed the numbering process," said Akshatha K, the MCC deputy commissioner for revenue. "The auction for MCC shops will happen in the coming weeks. All shops in the meat, fruits, and flowers sections that belong to the MCC are ready for occupation."
MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik will soon meet with the builder and other officials to finalize details before the auction begins. The handover from the concessionaire to the MCC must happen completely before shops can be auctioned to businesses.
Modern Complex Built on 3.6 Acres
This impressive six-floor structure stands on 3.6 acres of prime city land. It features basement parking facilities and offers a total built-up area of five lakh square feet. According to the agreement between stakeholders, the concessionaire must hand over 1.5 lakh square feet of this space to the MCC.
Arun Prabha KS, the general manager for technical matters at MSCL, explained the arrangement. "The concessionaire constructed this modernized complex under a DBFOT arrangement," he said. This design, build, finance, operate and transfer model represents a significant partnership between public and private entities.
Project Costs Escalated During Construction
Initial estimates placed the project cost at approximately 114 crore rupees. However, the final construction required about 160 crore rupees. Mangaluru-based concessionaire Somayaji Estates undertook the work, creating a substantially upgraded facility compared to original plans.
The market redevelopment proposal first emerged in 2016 when the MCC suggested revitalizing the aging Central Market. By 2020, the project transferred to the Mangaluru Smart City Limited. That same year, authorities made the difficult decision to demolish the old structure.
Why the Old Market Had to Go
Public works department officials and independent consultants examined the original market building. Their assessment determined the structure was no longer safe for occupation. The MCC council formally approved the demolition during a December 2020 meeting.
Business activities at the busy Central Market faced additional disruption during 2020. The first wave of COVID-19 prompted authorities to ban commercial operations at the old market location. This temporary closure occurred just as demolition plans were being finalized.
Now, after years of planning and construction, Mangaluru prepares to welcome its new Central Market complex. The modern facility promises to revitalize commercial activity in the city center while providing upgraded amenities for both vendors and customers.
