The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has achieved a significant breakthrough by finally clearing the congested Janata Bazar Road. This was accomplished by successfully relocating the majority of vegetable vendors into the newly renovated Janata Bazar market premises, a move that restores order to a busy city stretch.
The Long-Standing Roadside Market Problem
For months after the reopening of the upgraded Janata Bazar, officials faced an uphill battle. The core issue was a poor response to the auction process for allotting stalls and vending spots inside the market. With limited participation, many vendors were hesitant to commit to the new, formal arrangements. Consequently, they continued their roadside trade, defying repeated efforts by the civic body to move them.
This situation was a legacy of the demolition of the decades-old market structure. In the absence of an organised space, the vegetable vendors naturally set up shop along the road, transforming it into a bustling but chaotic informal marketplace.
Impact on Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
The roadside vending created persistent problems for Hubballi's citizens. The busy stretch witnessed frequent traffic bottlenecks, severely slowing down vehicular movement and increasing the risk of minor accidents, particularly during peak hours.
Pedestrians, especially women and senior citizens, were among the worst-affected. Encroachment on footpaths and walking spaces forced people to step onto the road amidst heavy traffic, posing a constant safety hazard. The relocation initiative directly addresses these critical public concerns.
A Structured Solution and Future Plans
By allocating space within the renovated premises, HDMC has provided vendors with a more structured and secure location to operate. Simultaneously, this action has restored the road to its intended use for smooth traffic flow. Approximately 180 street vendors have now shifted inside the Janata Bazar premises, according to HDMC sources.
HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali stated that the civic body had requested vegetable vendors to move their stalls inside the renovated building. He explained that the internal kattas (stalls) were auctioned because the roadside vendors were initially reluctant to commence business in the new setup.
"With the shifting of street vendors inside the Janata Bazar premises, now gradually the utilisation of the renovated Janata Bazar structure will gain momentum," Commissioner Ghali said. He added that efforts are ongoing to free the roads surrounding the renovated market to further increase footfall and ensure the area's long-term viability.
While the majority have moved, some vendors remain outside. HDMC officials have decided to shift these remaining vendors into the premises as well, aiming for a complete and permanent resolution. The move is widely expected to ease congestion, significantly improve pedestrian safety, and bring better order to the revitalised Janata Bazar market complex.
