Rourkela: The massive modern market, which was constructed in Panposh, is still under lock and key after its inauguration. Keeping in mind, the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, construction of the market complex was completed. However, since its inauguration in March this year, it has remained closed as the shopkeepers are yet to open their shops. The construction of the market began during the tenure of the Congress government in the state in 1985.
Initially, it was decided to set up 36 shops on each floor. However, due to the poor quality of construction, the condition of the building started deteriorating and by the mid1990s, it became inhabitable. A new complex close to it was constructed by the then-Janata government. The total number of shop spaces was 150. However, then also the condition of the building was not up to the mark. In fact, 36 shops on the first floor were not fit to carry out any activity. Many of the shops were abandoned. When Rourkela became a part of the ‘Smart City’ project it was decided to construct a modern shopping complex.
A decision was also taken to give priority to allotting spaces to the original shopkeepers. In 2021 through the tender process, the work was awarded to UR Construction at a cost of Rs 38.38 crores. It was decided to have 216 shops with underground parking facilities. However, then cropped up a new problem – the rehabilitation of vegetable vendors who plied their trade close to the modern market complex. This vegetable market caters to prominent areas including Panposh and old Panposh residential localities, Civil Township, STI, and ITI. Vendors come from far-off places to this marketplace. However, they were facing a lot of problems with parking their vehicles. Also during the monsoons, water logging created hurdles for the vegetable vendors. An official of the ‘Smart City Limited’ informed recently, that a vegetable vending zone will be constructed behind the new modern market. There will be provisions for 128 platforms and shades.
Speaking to the media here Sunday, president of the Market Committee Umakanta Pandey informed, “We have held a discussion with the authorities and they have assured that very soon the shops will be handed over to us. They have also assured us that construction of the vegetable vending zone will begin soon.” Deputy Commissioner of Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) Gourabmaya Pradhan said, “The complex has been handed over to RMC and the process of handing over the shops to the shopkeepers is being expedited and will be completed soon.” Officials pointed out that once the market complex becomes functional it will be a landmark building in this city.