Vellore market empty despite Rs 37.5 lakh facelift, rent cut

The Vellore municipal corporation's market at Anna Salai, built for fruit and vegetable vendors under the Smart Cities Mission in 2015-16 at Rs 82.90 lakh, has failed to attract or retain traders despite a rent cut and a Rs 37.50-lakh renovation in 2024-25. All 147 shops, expanded from 3 ft x 6 ft to 6 ft x 6 ft after renovation, now stand vacant. Traders say poor visibility deters customers, and the facility has become a site for illegal garbage dumping, alcohol consumption, and open defecation.

The market originally had 200 shops, attracting vendors for only three months after opening. Rent was cut from Rs 100 per day to Rs 40, but trade revived only briefly after renovation before slumping again. Vellore Vanigar Sangam leader Gnanavelu said vendors are unwilling due to lack of visibility. The sangam has suggested converting the market into a parking lot to prevent anti-social activities.

Social activist Vikaram Vinodh Kumar said the market should be allotted to street vendors from Burma Bazaar if they are willing, else it will be a waste of public money. A corporation official denied knowledge of anti-social activities and said a few vendors operate in the mornings. Corporation Commissioner A Sultana could not be reached for comment.