Bengaluru’s Johnson Market awaits design as shared ₹20 crore fund is set aside

Johnson Market is among three Bengaluru markets covered by a ₹20-crore redevelopment allocation, but no detailed project report has yet set out its design, facilities or arrangements for existing traders.

The allocation also covers K.R. Market and Kalasipalya Market under a ₹90-crore market-development outlay. At Johnson Market, shopkeepers differ over whether the century-old building should be renovated or replaced.

Mehmood of Madeena Stores and trader Mohammed Ismail support retaining and upgrading the structure, including improvements to drainage, open spaces and other basic infrastructure. They said demolition could disrupt businesses and leave traders uncertain about relocation and the allocation of space in a rebuilt market.

Heavy traffic borders the market, while meat and vegetable waste regularly accumulates around the premises. Shantinagar MLA N.A. Haris has proposed a public-private partnership-led redevelopment that includes demolition of the current structure. He said parking would be a priority as traffic and population grow, with the Pink Line Metro expected nearby.

A similar PPP proposal stalled in 2015 after the market association opposed it in the High Court. The current proposal has not yet reached the detailed project report stage.