The Municipal Corporation proposes to shift the fruit market from Simmakkal to Mattuthavani to ease traffic congestion in the heart of the city.
An area to house 225 fruit shops has been earmarked near the central vegetable market.
Wholesale and retail shops functioning at Yanaikkal, Simmakkal, North Masi Street and North Market Street will shift to the new market once it is ready.
The Corporation Council meeting held here on Wednesday passed a resolution to this effect. Mayor V.V.Rajan Chellappa and Corporation Commissioner R. Nanthagopal sought the council’s nod to provide drainage, roads, stormwater drains and streetlights at the proposed relocation site.
The decision to shift the fruit market was taken after obtaining consent from the Fruit Commission Merchants Association and the Simmakkal Wholesale Traders Association. .
As requested by the two associations, 75 shops will be constructed, each measuring 600 to 700 sq ft.
A deposit of Rs.5 lakh will be collected for each shop. Another 150 shops measuring 250 to 300 sq ft each would be constructed and the deposit will be Rs.2.5 lakh.
The monthly rent will be fixed by the Public Works Department.
The traders must pay the advance upfront to book the shops.