The site where BMC plans to construct a new market complex. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 13: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to construct a six-storey market complex in Goutam Nagar with commercial space of more than 47,720 square feet. To be constructed in public-private partnership (PPP) mode, the entire complex will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.

BMC sources said the structure, to be named as Lingaraj Market Complex, will come up between the existing Kalinga Ashoka and Sismo Hotel.

“As the area is mostly encroached and is not used properly, the new complex will help in beautifying the entrance of Goutam Nagar. At present, the entire area wears a congested look because of illegal occupation by roadside dhabas and mini truck owners,’’ added a BMC official.

“The market complex will come up on an area of 0.626 acres. It will be a six-storey structure, including one basement parking lot. So, effectively there will be five floors for use by the people above ground level. The area is very small and there are restrictions to maintain the height of the building as per the width of the road available on the side of the building. So, the height of the structure would be finalised after a round of discussion between our engineers and planners of Bhubaneswar Development Authority,’’ said deputy municipal commissioner Priyadarshi Mohapatra.

“After finalising all details, the document for tendering process will be ready within a month and the tender can be floated within two months. However, the work would be completed within 18 months from the day it starts,” Mohapatra added.

Councillor of ward No. 48 Kishore Kumar Mohanty said: “Though the new market complex is coming up with a renovated plan, it was once planned a decade ago. But the entire programme was somehow shelved. Even 30-35 persons deposited Rs 50,000 each as the earnest money to have shops. However, many interested people later took their money away due to delay. But 15 such deposits are still with the BMC. Once completed, the project will be one of my major achievements as the local councillor as it is linked to many people’s hopes to do something in their lives as first-time entrepreneurs.’’

“The new market complex will change the outlook of our area. The residents can have a better location between the two major landmarks to identify Goutam Nagar,” said Ladukishore Sahu, a senior citizen and advisor to Goutam Nagar Development Association.

“The space between Kalinga Ashoka and Sismo Hotel mostly remained unorganised. But now, with a facelift, the entire patch can also ensure a better entrance for Goutam Nagar,’’ Sahu said.

President of Buddha Nagar Development Association Ashwinee Kumar Patnaik added: “Goutam Nagar is a neighbouring locality of Buddha Nagar. We hope that the market complex will be ready within the stipulated time period. It will also help in catering to the needs of the residents in our area.”