Staff reporter
Guwahati: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is set to open the much-awaited Beltola Market Complex next month, with 90% of the construction work already completed. The four-storey complex is expected to provide a designated space for vendors, aiming to ease traffic congestion in the area. However, uncertainty looms over vendor allotment, as many street vendors remain unsure whether they will be accommodated inside the complex.
A GMC official stated, "After the completion of this building, the vendors will get their assigned spaces, which will help free up the road from congestion."
The official also mentioned that similar market complexes are being developed in other areas, including Ganeshguri, where construction is nearly complete. "We are planning to inaugurate the Ganeshguri complex around the same time as the Beltola market. However, the final date and vendor selection process are still under discussion," the official added.
While some vendors have welcomed the initiative, concerns remain about space constraints. "Looking at the size of the market, the complex seems small. However, at least the new space will be more organized," said a Beltola vendor. Another vendor expressed relief, saying, "At least we will have a safe place, protected from rain and other calamities."
Despite these positives, a major concern among vendors is the uncertainty over their allocation. "Among all the vendors, only a section will get space inside the complex, while the rest will still have to sit on the roadside. The real question is whether customers will prefer to buy from inside the complex or from the more accessible roadside vendors. Will we still get the same level of sales after shifting to the complex?" a vendor questioned.
GMC officials acknowledged these challenges, stating that the delay in making the complex operational was due to ongoing court-ordered eviction processes. They also admitted that with the large number of vendors operating in Beltola and Ganeshguri, strategic planning is necessary to ensure fair allocation. "Both Beltola and Ganeshguri markets have an enormous number of vendors. Since the new complexes have limited space, we need to develop a structured plan for vendor placement," the official said.
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