Jayanagar market redevelopment stalls after one of four towers is built

One of four proposed towers at Jayanagar market has been built; the rest of the redevelopment has sat unfinished for years.

The project began after a 2009 fire damaged parts of the old market. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), which was assigned the redevelopment, completed tower one but could not proceed after shops in the old building were not vacated and handed to the contractor. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the BDA and Bengaluru South City Corporation (BSCC) must jointly decide the project’s future.

For some traders moved into tower one, the new premises have not worked. Jayaram B.K. of the Jayanagar Traders’ Association, who was allotted a first-floor shop, said his earlier 140 sq ft shop had been replaced by a 60 sq ft space and business had fallen. Shops have been allotted on two floors, while the upper floors remain unused.

BSCC Commissioner K.N. Ramesh said the corporation is awarding spaces on floors three to six in tower one to private firms for offices. It is also examining the BDA’s arbitration with the earlier contractor. The corporation may develop the remaining towers itself, or use the site for a BSCC office if a separate Banashankari land proposal does not go through.