Birgunj Metropolitan City opens new vegetable and fruit market

BIRGUNJ: Birgunj Metropolitan City has brought into operation a newly constructed vegetable and fruit market at Chhapakkaiya along the Railway Road, addressing a longstanding shortage of wholesale facilities in the city.

Mayor Rajesh Man Singh said the market has been established to serve the local residents and support organized trade in agricultural goods.

“This market was built for the people of Chhapakaiya. The involvement of the local community is essential in keeping it clean, safe, and well-managed. This is our shared property and heritage,” Chief Singh said. He noted that although the city had intended to open the market one and a half years ago, various obstacles caused delays.

Singh explained that the market’s operation had been slowed partly due to the presence of traders in BP Udyan. “A campaign will now be launched to remove the unorganized market at BP Udyan,” he said, adding that traders there have been offered the option to relocate to the new facility.

Parsa Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal remarked that the market’s operation would benefit both farmers and consumers.

“Due to the absence of an organized wholesale market, farmers were forced to sell their produce on roadsides or in temporary setups. Now, farmers can bring their goods more easily, consumers can purchase in a systematic environment, and transportation will also be smoother,” he said.

According to Arvinda Lal Karna, the metropolis’ Chief Administrative Officer, 28 shutters in 14 units have come into operation in the first phase, which was completed at a cost of Rs. 7 million.

The market premises are equipped with essential facilities such as electricity, water supply, toilets, sewage management, and security. The metropolis plans to expand the number of units and enhance the physical infrastructure in a second phase, with an additional investment of Rs. 7 million.

The city administration stated that operating wholesale and retail transactions through separate structures will help traders conduct business more efficiently and plan for the long term.