Minister for Cooperatives V. Gandhiraj on Sunday inspected the oldest wholesale market on Bazaar Road in Arakkonam, which has been renovated as part of efforts to open the facility to the public.

Officials of the Arakkonam Municipality, which executed the ₹6-crore work, said this was the second time the market complex was renovated since 1984, when 194 shops were demolished for the first time and built again. New shops were opened in 1987. “The new shops at the renovated market complex are spacious for traders to store goods and display their products. Adequate basic amenities such as water taps and toilets will also be set up,” N. Anandan, Municipal Engineer, Arakkonam Municipality, told The Hindu.

Officials said the market complex was renovated with 204 shops. Shops vary in size from 200 sq.ft to 400 sq.ft depending on additional facilities such as cold storage and store rooms. Taps that supply purified water and washrooms have been provided on the premises. A spacious yard for loading and unloading of perishables and other goods in the market is also available. “The existing traders should be given priority in allocation of new shops in the renovated market. Norms should be relaxed to accommodate old traders,” said G. Ethiraj, president, Arakkonam All Groceries Traders Association.

Municipal officials said as per norms, renovated shops could be allocated to old traders only if traders had run outlets in the market complex for at least 18 years. Also, old shopkeepers should have been prompt taxpayers. The renovated market also has ramps for persons with disabilities. The elevation of the market complex’s floor has been increased by 1.5 ft above the existing road level to prevent inundation during monsoon. CCTV cameras with a monitoring room have been set up for improving security.

A police booth has been set up to prevent petty crime. Solar panels have been installed as part of energy saving measures. Rent will be fixed based on existing market rates. Shops in the market will sell vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, groceries, flowers, and stationery. The market will be open from 5 a.m to 9 p.m on all days.

Residents said the temporary market complex near the railway station did not have basic facilities such as water taps and toi for consumers. Proper levelling of the temporary market should also be done to prevent inundation during monsoon, they added.