BMC picks 7 spots for swanky mkts ………..Clara Lewis | TNN
Mumbai: The idea of municipal malls is finally taking off. The BMC has identified seven plots in the suburbs where it will be constructing these multi-storeyed markets or Palika Bazaar at a cost of Rs 500 crore.
As the policy on redevelopment of existing markets has been put on the backburner, the BMC began scouting for open plots that it owns in areas where there are no existing markets. “As we will be constructing these markets, we will be utilising a floor space index of 4. So for instance if it is a 1,000-sq-ft plot we will be able to construct 4,000 sq ft,’’ said Kishore Gajbhiye, additional municipal commissioner, in-charge of markets.
The new bazaars will be at Chandivli, Poonam Nagar, Andheri East on the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, Govandi, Vikhroli, Kandivli, Chembur and L T Road, Borivli (west). Most of them are likely to be seven-storeyed structures. The BMC has already appointed architects to design the buildings and tenders for constructing them will be issued in two months, said Gajbhiye.
The multi-storeyed markets will be like the present-day municipal markets selling perishables such as vegetables, fruits, meat and other eatables. The shop sizes will, however, be restricted to 45-60 sq ft. “It will be a huge hall with fibre or wooden partitions for each shop. A fruit vendor does not require more than 48 sq ft and that is what we will be providing. But these markets will be more clean, with proper fire exits and lifts for carrying goods and people up and down. We will outsource the maintenance of the market,’’ said Gajbhiye.
Aware that people are unlikely to go beyond two storeys for convenience shopping, the BMC will allow cutlery, utensils and other non-perishable items up to the fourth floor. “The higher floors will be leased out to offices,’’ said Gajbhiye. The BMC will use the new markets to house commercial shop owners affected by various projects and will either rent or auction the remaining shops.