Mangaluru Mayor Manoj Kumar announced plans to transform Alake Market into a dedicated vegetable and flower market, addressing its current underutilization. Although operational for four years, the market has seen only four out of 25 stalls occupied, primarily for selling fish and meat.
To enhance the market’s appeal, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) is considering a public-private partnership. A private investor has proposed converting it into a flower market, a plan to be finalized through a tender process. Additionally, the existing tempo parking area will be repurposed for fish and meat vendors, while alternate parking arrangements will be identified.
Efforts will also include developing the market as a weekly shandy. Infrastructure upgrades, including water, electricity, and drainage, will precede the relocation of meat and fish vendors.
The mayor attributed the market’s poor footfall to its location, about 50 meters off the main road, and obstructed visibility caused by trucks and tempos. Many consumers currently prefer street vendors.
Meanwhile, the mayor noted that the new Central Market, developed under a public-private partnership, is set to be completed within four to five months. He also assured that MCC’s engineering department is addressing issues with damaged speed breakers across the city.
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