Mangaluru : The long pending demand of people in the city for a full-fledged market complex at the Central Market area has suffered a setback due to a lack of bidders.

Though the project was envisaged several years ago, it was not implemented due to technical reasons. Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) had prepared plans to construct a new market complex having all the necessary infrastructure more than 10 years ago.

At present, the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has earmarked Rs 145 crore for the redevelopment of Central Market. A proposal to demolish the old Central Market building and build a new one in the Central Market area was approved at the MSCL board meeting in October, 2018. However, no bidders have come forward to take up the work.

MSCL managing director Mohammed Nazeer said the proposed Central Market complex will have a separate space for retail stalls of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish and meat. It has been designed to give citizens a special shopping experience by providing all modern infrastructure. As per the proposal, the complex will also have a separate space for office premises and other commercial establishments, he said.

“We have plans to build it in the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Since it is a big budget project, most of the contractors are not confident of taking up the project as it requires a huge deposit. We have found two bidders, and very soon the tender process will be completed for the project,” he said.

“In addition to the redevelopment of Central Market, the MSCL also have plans to redevelop the city bus stand. At present, all inter-city buses too are entering the city. After the completion of an integrated bus terminal, which is proposed either at Pumpwell or near Padil, the intercity bus stand will be shifted. To redevelop the city bus stand, the MSCL has allocated Rs 25 crore. It will have 30 bus bays and all other necessary facilities for the convenience of passengers, Nazeer said.