Launched but Shut? Urwa Market Inaugurated in Jan 2019 Still Not Open for Business
Mangaluru: Here is a story of a market which was inaugurated during the beginning of the year, is still not open for business-you know why? Read further- the reason for the delay in the function of this new market is that the process of allotment of stalls through auction is yet to be finalized. We are talking about the Rs 12 crore three-storey Urwa Market Complex, which was rebuilt by Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), and which was inaugurated by then Urban Development minister U T Khader along with other Congress honchos and other district officials on 27 January 2019, is still not open for business.
As per sources, the market complex spans over nearly 85,000 sq ft area, having 122 stalls and has a parking space in the basement for nearly 75 cars and 40 two-wheelers. It also has space for 21 fish shacks, also stalls for mutton, pork, Beef, vegetables, fruits, flowers and premises for other business. In addition, the complex has an office space and a canteen. When the project was started in December 2016, the vendors doing business in the old market were shifted to a temporary market yard, and as of today, even in spite of the new market being ready, all these vendors are still continuing their business in the temporary place.
Yet another reason for the delay in the function of this new Urwa Market was due to the Lok Sabha elections coming in between, and due to election code of conduct, the Market open has stayed back. Even though Mangaluru City Corporation owned the market, the task for the development of the new market was handed over to MUDA. The foundation stone for the project was laid by then minister Ramanath Rai in December 2016. No wit is learnt that MUDA will soon plan on the further process of opening the market- but no one knows when?
In the meantime, former MCC Mayor Shashidhar Hegde speaking to media had said that the MCC council meeting a few months ago had resolved to take re-possession of Urwa Market complex from MUDA, and also that there’s has been some confusion on the money spent by MUDA on this market project. So until, the new market opens, it business as usual for the customers at the temporary market yard. Have a Happy shopping spree at the Old Market?