Parking overhaul at K.R. Market brings seamless movement but hits small vendors’ businesses

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A view of the K.R. Market in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Entering K.R. Market was itself a herculean task, but not anymore. For the past three months, since the parking infrastructure was revamped and developed into a first-of-its-kind smart parking facility in the city, visitors have had a clear way to enter the parking facility.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has installed barricades and created a dedicated route to enter the facility, halving the width of Avenue Road for the purpose. Now, visitors do not have to endure prolonged queues and traffic at the starting point itself to enter the parking lot.

However, for small vendors outside the market, their business has not been the same. The merchants’ association has reported a reduced footfall amid the parking arrangements and the ongoing infrastructure projects around the place.

A view of the K.R. Market in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Asha, a flower vendor who sits just outside the parking lot, explained that the steel barricades installed to make way for vehicles make it feel as though they are placed behind bars, trying to sell their products while visitors ignore them.

“All the vendors who used to do business on the Avenue Road have been moved behind the barricades. The whole stretch is cramped up with very little space to even sit,” she said.

Radha, who has been selling flowers outside the market for the last 20 years, explained the buyer behaviour shaped by the barricading, which has reportedly affected their businesses.

“Earlier, the visitors would stop at the starting point, buy a few items, and then enter the main market to buy bigger items. Now that the barricades are installed, most visitors directly enter the parking area and from there head inside the market,” she explained.

G.M. Divakar, president, K.R. Market Flowers Merchants’ Association, reiterated that there had been a fall in footfall, explaining, “The parking was closed for many months, which had already caused traditional buyers to explore other options. In addition, now the parking system is in place with a slightly expensive fee, which has also affected the footfall.”

He noted that even for employees of shops in the building, the paid parking is pinching their pockets, as they are spending around ₹2,000 more every month.

Mr. Divakar also noted that the recent demolition of 180 shops opposite the market, as part of the footpath clearance, is likely to affect businesses further.

Santhosha Chandrashekar, a fruit vendor, added that those cleared shops had been operating for more than three decades and had frequent customers, who may stop coming now. “This market is known as a one-stop store for people to buy various items. As of now more than 180 shops have been cleared, several items won’t be available for visitors, which could alter the footfall,” he said.