Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The Bengaluru civic body has invited tenders for the development and maintenance of the historic K.R. Market, along with the implementation of smart technology solutions and collection of entry fees for a period of 10 years.
As part of the proposed system, charges will be collected from goods vehicles entering the market as well as for certain goods brought into the premises.
Bengaluru’s civic body has tendered a 10-year contract for K.R. Market’s development and management, introducing smart technology and collecting entry fees ranging from ₹75-₹350 for vehicles and ₹5-₹10 for various goods to fund market upkeep.
KR Market vehicle entry fees
The entry fee will depend on the type of vehicle:
- Trucks and large goods vehicles with six or more wheels: ₹350
- Four-wheeled light goods vehicles: ₹100
- Three-wheeled goods vehicles or goods autos: ₹75
In addition to the vehicle charge, fees will apply to bags, boxes, trays and bundles of various commodities.
Entry fee for goods at KR Market
The proposed charges include:
- Fruits: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Flowers: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Vegetables: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Greens: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Groundnuts: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Cotton: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Sweet corn: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Ginger and turmeric: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Bananas: ₹5 for two
- Bamboo/Cane: ₹5 for one bundle
- Onions and potatoes: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Coconut: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Garlic: ₹5 for one bag/package
- Eggs: ₹10 for one box containing up to 10 trays
- Fish and other seafood: ₹10 for one box
- Chicken and other meat products: ₹10 for one tray
What are the rules?
Traders, wholesalers, retailers, street vendors, commission agents and transporters bringing goods into the market will have to pay the applicable fee before carrying out business on the premises.
The charges can be paid through cash as well as digital modes, including UPI, QR codes, POS machines and debit and credit cards.
The fee will apply to a single entry and exit. If there is any dispute over the classification of a vehicle, the service provider’s decision will be considered final.
The civic body has also retained the right to revise or modify the charges in the future.
Why is KR Market getting a new fee system?
The tender covers more than just fee collection. It includes civil works, maintenance and the introduction of smart technology at the market, with the contract proposed for 10 years.
The entry fee is expected to contribute towards the upkeep and management of the market. However, the move could also raise concerns among traders and transporters, who may have to factor the additional charges into their regular operating costs.
Whether the new fee is justified will ultimately depend on how the system is implemented and whether traders and visitors see a corresponding improvement in facilities and services at KR Market.
