Construction of Erode’s ₹18.48-crore integrated vegetable and grocery market at Solar is over 60% complete, with officials targeting June 2026 for full completion.
Progress on Integrated Vegetable and Grocery Market in Erode
Over 60% of the work on the ₹18.48-crore integrated vegetable and grocery market at Solar in Erode is completed. Officials are optimistic about finishing the remaining work within the next six months.
Background of the Market Project
Traders from the Nethaji Vegetable and Fruit Market Complex on R.K.V. Road in Erode city were relocated to the V.O.C. Park ground in 2020 due to space constraints during COVID-19. The old market complex was demolished, and a new facility with 268 shops was built at a cost of ₹29.85 crore. However, the new complex could not accommodate more than 700 traders, leading the civic body to propose the construction of an integrated market at Solar. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the project on March 13, 2024, and laid the foundation stone during his visit to Erode on December 20, 2024.
Construction Details
Construction began in 2025 with an 18-month completion schedule. The market is being developed in three modules: the first with 702 shops, the second with 32 shops, and the third with 60 shops. The facility will also include four godowns each for fruits and vegetables, groceries, and rice. Additionally, there will be 1.46 acres of parking space for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. In total, the market will cover 4,22,532 sq. ft., accommodating 794 shops with a built-up area of 8,909.4 sq. m.
Current Status
A senior Corporation engineer told The Hindu that the work is progressing as planned. The remaining construction is expected to be completed by June 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | ₹18.48 crore |
| Completion Status | Over 60% completed |
| Expected Completion | June 2026 |
| Number of Shops | 794 shops |
| Parking Space | 1.46 acres |
| Market Area | 4,22,532 sq. ft. |
