Gaya's Chandauti Market Still Empty After Years of Waiting
The sprawling Chandauti wholesale grain and vegetable market in Gaya continues to stand vacant. Built over 50 acres of land with assistance from the World Bank, this modern facility has not seen a single trader move in yet. Plans to relocate the wholesale grain market from Purani Godam and the vegetable market from Kedarnath Market to this Bazar Samiti complex have faced repeated postponements.
A History of Failed Attempts
The first serious effort to shift the wholesale market happened back in the 1990s. Then district magistrate Rajbala Verma took the initiative to make this move happen. However, local business owners strongly opposed the relocation. They raised concerns about the market's remote location on what was then Gaya's western outskirts. They also complained about poor accessibility and security issues at the new site.
To address security worries, authorities actually built a police station right within the market premises. Despite this measure, the shifting never occurred. Resistance from stakeholders combined with a lack of administrative and political will kept the markets in their original locations.
Why This Market Matters
The Chandauti market project had multiple important goals. It aimed to provide modern warehousing facilities for local traders. The fortified premises were designed to reduce opportunities for malpractices like hoarding, black marketing, adulteration, and tax evasion. These issues have plagued Gaya's markets for years, with frequent complaints about adulterated goods and counterfeit products of established brands.
Recently, public demand for the market shift has grown stronger. Traffic jams and unnecessary congestion in the current market areas have frustrated residents and business owners alike. Just before the last assembly elections, Gaya Town MLA and then cooperative minister Prem Kumar promised the relocation would happen within weeks.
Elections and Neglect
When election dates were announced in October 2025, the Chandauti premises were taken over for use as strongrooms. This caused yet another delay in the market shifting. Meanwhile, the unused facility began to deteriorate from prolonged neglect. The complex now requires significant repairs before it can become operational.
Current Status and Promises
When asked about the market's fate, Gaya Town MLA and assembly speaker Prem Kumar provided an update. He stated that civil work for repairs and renovations is currently underway. Kumar expects this work to finish by the second week of February.
Once repairs are complete, space allotment will proceed in a transparent and centralized manner. Priority will go to businesses currently operating from Purani Godam and Kedarnath Market. Besides vegetables and grains, the Chandauti premises will also accommodate dairy and fishery businesses. The Central Bihar Chamber of Commerce has agreed to support this shifting proposal.
Prem Kumar confirmed he has discussed the matter with agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav. After decades of delays, Gaya residents now wait to see if this latest timeline will finally bring the Chandauti market to life.
