Bengaluru’s old markets: Grand redevelopment and harsh business realities

Once envisioned to become commercial hubs, Bengaluru’s redeveloped markets are now struggling with dwindling footfall, crumbling infrastructure, and vendor discontent.

Sipping a cup of hot filter coffee, 32-year-old Arun Kumar wears a faraway and worried look. Braving the stench of urine that fills the air, he carries his coffee up the stairs littered with paper cups and plastic bags. There is no missing the gutka stains on the walls all along.

Mr. Kumar’s day begins like this, as he gets set to open his small textile shop at the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) complex in Jayanagar 4th block in south Bengaluru.

About five years back, when Mr. Kumar moved in here, his hope was high. Now he is contemplating moving out, owing to poor business. The complex, which has six floors with parking in the basement, was opened in October 2017.  But clearly, the once-buzzing-with-life marketplace in the heart of Jayanagar, is now not even a shadow of its old self.

The structure was built after demolishing Puttanna Kanagal Theatre at a cost of ₹57 crore. The building has 55 shops on the basement, ground floor and first floor. The space on the upper floors are near-empty, causing revenue losses to the BBMP, and giving the structure a deserted look.

The initial plan proposed demolishing the 45-year-old shopping complex, including the Puttana Kanagal Theatre, to construct four modern towers featuring multiplex, multi-level parking, and a commercial hub. The old complex was gutted in 2008. In October 2010, the property was transferred to the BDA for redevelopment. However, after completing one block, the BDA washed its hands of and returned the property to the BBMP.

The old buildings at the location have not been demolished as planned by the BBMP. They lie abandoned and have turned into a den of illegal activities. Ever since a portion of this building was gutted, it is in a state of total neglect.

“In the beginning, for at least a year into inauguration, the complex saw business. The customers were keen on coming inside. After about a year, the footfall started to dwindle. We were making a business of ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 every day and now we barely cross ₹7,000. The complex has miserably failed in serving the purpose,” said Mr. Kumar. “I am now pondering shifting out of the building.”