Mumbai market vendors will have to wait longer to get separate space

After seven years of delay, the redeveloper was supposed to construct the building by September 17

The Brihamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to give another eight-month extension to a builder to redevelop a 15-storey building, which will be used to rehabilitate Pali market vendors.

The vendors have been operating from makeshift shops next to the under-construction plot.

After seven years of delay, the redeveloper was supposed to construct the building by September 17.

With the new deadline, 79 licensed vendors will be rehabilitated by May. Construction restarted a few days ago but there has been slow progress, alleged vendors.

HT had earlier reported earlier that the firm came under fire from the vendors who wanted to take it to the court over delay in revamp.

Keshav Gupta, a licensed vendor whose family has been doing business for about 60 years, said, “The BMC is carrying out a demolition drive at Pali Naka. So we have been told that we will be rehabilitated in a few months.”

As per the market revamp policy, the firm was brought by the majority of vendors to redevelop the market. The building would not only give the vendors a better place to sell their produce, but would also help clear the roads for movement of vehicles.

The market department of the BMC had earlier told HT was the builder was mandated to complete construction by September 17, three year after reissuing commencement certificate.

Sanjay Khurakte, a vegetable vendor, said, “Work has started now on the first storey where we are to be rehabilitated.” The redeveloper refused to comment on the status of the project.

“We have not given the developer any extension yet. But he has told us that the market area would be built by May,” said another official.