Coimbatore traders want MGR Market relocated to Kavundampalayam

Traders at the MGR Market in Coimbatore are calling for their market to be moved to a new location in Kavundampalayam. They are facing challenges due to limited space and ongoing renovation work. This renovation project, which started two years ago with a budget of ₹3 crore, includes the construction of a cement road. To support these improvements, the Coimbatore Corporation has temporarily relocated 10 tomato wholesalers to a site known as “Eru Company” in Kavundampalayam. Although traders were initially against this move because of a lack of basic facilities, they eventually accepted it. The MGR Market currently has 112 shops, but traders believe the space is insufficient. Renovation work has stalled due to funding issues, and the Corporation is preparing a new budget estimate to continue the project. R. Murugesan, who has been given the contract for the market's renovation, mentioned that a previous plan to move traders to the Vellalore bus stand was met with strong opposition due to its distance from the city center and proximity to a dump yard. The construction of a flyover on Mettupalayam Road has also caused traffic problems, as around 300 vehicles load and unload goods at the market each day. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran stated that discussions with traders have taken place, and their request for relocation will be considered if possible. However, the final decision about moving vegetable traders to the Vellalore bus stand is up to the State government.