Bengaluru Underground Market Worth Rs 13 Crore Remains Unused Two Years After Inauguration

A modern underground market constructed in Bengaluru’s Vijayanagar area at a cost of nearly Rs 13 crore has become the subject of criticism after remaining unused for almost two years since its inauguration. Despite being built as a major commercial facility, the market has not yet been opened for traders, leaving more than 80 fully developed shops locked and gathering dust.

The project was designed on the lines of Delhi’s famous Palika Bazaar and was expected to provide an organized shopping space for vendors while reducing roadside congestion. However, the promised benefits have not reached traders as the pending tender process has delayed the allotment of shops.

Local traders have expressed frustration over the prolonged wait, questioning why such a large public investment continues to remain idle. They argue that while authorities are actively removing roadside vendors as part of encroachment drives, an alternative commercial space created for business owners has been left unused because of administrative delays.

The condition of the market has also raised concerns about maintenance. Facilities such as elevators and escalators, installed as part of the modern infrastructure, have reportedly remained non operational since the day the market was inaugurated. With no regular activity inside the complex, signs of neglect have started appearing, increasing fears that the structure could deteriorate before it is even put into full use.

Residents have also questioned whether the delay is a result of bureaucratic inefficiency or prolonged procedural issues. Many believe the authorities should have completed the tender process soon after construction so that traders could begin operating without unnecessary waiting.

The unused market has reignited discussions about the effective use of taxpayer money. Citizens say public infrastructure projects should deliver timely benefits instead of remaining locked for years after completion. They argue that delays not only waste valuable resources but also reduce public confidence in civic planning.

Business owners continue to urge the authorities to complete the pending formalities and allocate the shops at the earliest. They believe the market has the potential to become a vibrant commercial hub if opened without further delay, while also providing a permanent space for small traders currently operating on roadsides.

For now, the underground market stands as a fully built but largely deserted facility, with traders and residents waiting to see whether the administration will finally complete the process and bring the long delayed project into operation.