Birgunj. The Birgunj Metropolitan City (BMC) has brought into operation a vegetable and fruits market at Chhapkaiya on the railway road.

It is believed that this will meet the shortage of wholesale market in Birgunj. Birgunj Metropolitan City Mayor Rajesh Man Singh said that the wholesale market of vegetables and fruits has been set up for the locals.

“This market was built in the name of the people of Chhapkaiya. The role of the local people is important to keep it clean, safe and well-managed. This is the property and heritage here,” said Singh, adding, “We tried to operate it one and a half years ago but it was delayed for some time due to various reasons.” ’’

Mayor Singh said that it took some more time for the Chhapkaiya bazaar to come into operation due to the entrepreneurs located in BP Park. “Now, a campaign will be started to remove the unsystematic market in BP Park. Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal said the operation of the market would benefit both farmers and consumers.

“Due to lack of unmanaged wholesale market, farmers were compelled to sell their products on the roadside or in temporary places. Now it will be easier for farmers to bring their produce, consumers to buy in a systematic way and to operate vehicles,” he said. Chief Administrative Officer of KMC, Arbinda Lal Karna, said that 28 shutters have been brought into operation in 14 units constructed at a cost of Rs 7 million in the first phase.

The market premises have all basic facilities including electricity, water, toilets, drainage and security arrangements. The metropolis plans to expand the number of units and physical infrastructure by investing an additional Rs 70 lakh in the second phase in the coming days.

According to KMC, it will be easier for the entrepreneurs to carry out business with a long-term plan as retail and wholesale transactions will be operated through separate structures.