It is a common sight to see people thronging the markets to procure their weekly provisions on Sundays, but Ramakista (R.K.) Puram Rythu Bazaar paints a different picture altogether.
Located at a remote corner, the bazaar is sandwiched between the railway station on one side and the lake on the other. The bazaar's isolation is accentuated as the direct approach from the R.K. Puram main road is cut-off by a flyover built in year 2004. Thus, only a handful of customers visit the market even during weekends.
“The bazaar used to attract a lot of people before the flyover was built. But ever since the flyover came into existence, it became difficult for people to come to the bazaar,” in-charge officer M. Vijay Krishna said.
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“It is also losing out to the competition from daily markets that started operating in the neighbouring colonies. We have requested the authorities to shift the bazaar to an alternative location,” Mr. Krishna said.
Then, how are farmers coming to the bazaar and who is buying their vegetables? “With RK Puram railway station situated just before the bazaar, it is easy for us to commute,” a vendor said. “We have about 15 to 20 farmers who come here regularly and the bulk of our sales are in the morning when petty shop owners and hoteliers come to purchase the fresh stock in bulk,” he informed. “We are able to scrape just about enough remuneration for our endeavour. It would be better if the market is shifted to some other area that is easily accessible to the public,” he observed.
Lack of patronage also meant that the bazaar is operating in losses. “We have a monthly expenditure of about Rs. 50,000 whereas the monthly income is just Rs. 5,000. It is being cross subsidised by earnings from Kukatpally Rythu Bazaar,” Mr. Krishna said.
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