Bengaluru Palika Bazar: South India’s First Underground AC Market Opens, Modelled After Delhi’s Iconic Palika Bazaar 2024 Updates

Bengaluru Palika Bazar: Bengaluru has always been known for its vibrant street markets, bustling with energy and offering a unique shopping experience. However, the city has now taken a bold step towards modernizing its retail landscape with the opening of the Bengaluru Palika Bazar, officially named the Krishnadevaraya Palike Bazaar. This underground, air-conditioned market, located in the heart of Vijayanagar, is not only a first for Bengaluru but also for South India. Inspired by the famous Palika Bazaar in New Delhi, this new market is set to transform the way people shop in the city.

Inauguration of a Vision: A Market Born from Inspiration

On August 25, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Vijayanagar MLA M. Krishnappa, officially inaugurated the Krishnadevaraya Palike Bazaar. The market, which has been under construction for nearly six years, is the result of a vision to create a modern, convenient, and weather-proof shopping space that caters to both vendors and customers alike. With an investment of Rs 13 crore, the Palike Bazaar is now ready to welcome the people of Bengaluru into its cool, air-conditioned embrace.

A Tribute to History: Named After Emperor Krishnadevaraya

The Bengaluru Palika Bazar is not just a market; it is a tribute to the rich history of the Vijayanagar Empire. Named after the 16th-century emperor Krishnadevaraya, the market symbolizes the blend of tradition and modernity that defines Bengaluru. Spanning 1,365 square meters, with a length of 136 meters and a width of 11 meters, the market is strategically located adjacent to the Vijayanagar metro station and bus stand, making it easily accessible for shoppers from all over the city.

The Market’s Unique Features: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

One of the most striking features of the Bengaluru Palika Bazar is its central air-conditioning system, a rarity for markets in the city. Of the 79 shops housed in the market, 31 are equipped with their own air-conditioning systems, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience for customers. Each shop covers approximately nine square meters, offering a compact yet efficient space for vendors to display their goods.

The market’s design includes eight entrances, 145 strategically placed lights, two escalators, and a lift, making it not only convenient but also safe for visitors. Safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and a power transformer, have been installed to address any emergencies that may arise.

A Journey of Construction: From Concept to Reality

The construction of the Bengaluru Palika Bazar has been a journey marked by careful planning and execution. The project was undertaken by Parichita Constructions, a private firm, with funding provided by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Initially, Rs 5 crore was allocated for the project during the 2017–18 financial year, with an additional Rs 8 crore provided in 2021–22 to complete the market.

The first phase of the project, which comprised 40 shops, was completed in 2022. However, the opening was delayed as the BBMP decided to embark on a second phase, which involved modifying the entrance to the first phase to enhance accessibility and functionality.

Easing Street Congestion: A Solution for Traders and Pedestrians

One of the key motivations behind the creation of the Bengaluru Palika Bazar was to address the congestion caused by street vendors on the busy Chord Road in Vijayanagar. For years, vendors set up temporary stalls on the streets, causing inconvenience to both traders and pedestrians. The situation became more complicated after a high court order forced many vegetable vendors to relocate to this new underground market.

MLA M. Krishnappa, who played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the market, explained, “This underground market has been conceptualized to help everyone. After the high court order, many vegetable vendors, who used to set up temporary shops on Chord Road, relocated to this place in Vijayanagar. This move upset traders who had invested in trade licenses and paid rent. Additionally, pedestrians complained about the roads being occupied by street vendors. The Palike Bazaar aims to address these concerns by providing a dedicated space for vendors while freeing up the streets for pedestrians.”

Beyond the Market: Future Developments in Vijayanagar

The success of the Bengaluru Palika Bazar is just the beginning for Vijayanagar. MLA Krishnappa has already announced plans for several upcoming projects in the area, including the upgrading of Kanaka Bhavan, the construction of a sports complex at JP Park, and the development of new cultural and commercial spaces like the Ranga Mandira, Ambedkar Bhavan, and Kempegowda Commercial Complex. Plans for Valmiki Bhavan and Kempegowda Bhavan are also in the pipeline, promising a bright future for the neighborhood.

Conclusion: Bengaluru Palika Bazar – A New Chapter in the City’s Retail Story

The inauguration of the Bengaluru Palika Bazar marks a significant milestone in the city’s retail landscape. This underground, air-conditioned market is more than just a shopping destination; it is a symbol of Bengaluru’s commitment to modernization and innovation, while still honoring its rich cultural heritage. As the first of its kind in South India, the Palike Bazaar is set to become a landmark in Vijayanagar, attracting shoppers from all over the city and beyond.

With its thoughtful design, advanced facilities, and focus on creating a safe and comfortable environment for both vendors and customers, the Bengaluru Palika Bazar is poised to redefine the shopping experience in the city. As Bengaluru continues to grow and evolve, the Palike Bazaar stands as a shining example of how tradition and modernity can coexist, creating spaces that are not only functional but also transformative for the community.