Bikarnakatte Santhe - Mangaluru's only weekly market faces uncertain future amidst highway expansion

Mangaluru: Bikarnakatte Kaikamba Shanivara Santhe, renowned as the ‘only weekly market’ in Mangaluru city, is confronting an uncertain future as the expansion of National Highway 169 looms over its existence. With a history spanning nearly five decades, the local market is integral to the city’s economic and cultural fabric.

The imminent threat to Bikarnakatte Santhe arises from the ongoing extension work of National Highway 169, stretching from Mangaluru to Karkala. The proposed expansion encroaches upon the land where the weekly market stands, sparking concerns among traders and consumers alike.

Amidst the legal battle waged by affected parties, including traders, against the highway expansion, land acquisition has come to a standstill. However, the area earmarked for road expansion includes the cherished grounds of Bikarnakatte Santhe, raising apprehensions about its survival.

Currently, Bikarnakatte Santhe stands as the sole weekly market in the vicinity, attracting throngs of customers from various parts of the city and beyond. The absence of a viable alternative location coupled with uncertainties surrounding customer footfall exacerbates the anxiety gripping the trader and consumer community.

Origins 

Bikarnakatte “Shanivara Santhe” originated from the bustling industrial landscape of the Bikarnakatte area, which once housed numerous factories employing thousands of workers. With Saturday being payday for many, a small-scale market known as “Shaniwara Santhe” emerged, gradually gaining popularity over time. Local traders, sourcing vegetables and fruits from surrounding districts, also contributed to its growth.

Pushpa of Bykampadi, a seasoned trader at Bikarnakatte Santhe, lamented the potential demise of the market, reminiscing about its heyday when demand for goods, including dry fish, flourished. However, challenges such as escalating transportation costs pose significant hurdles to sustaining the trade.

Despite the challenges, optimism prevails among traders like Violet Saldanha, who emphasize the demand for locally sourced, chemical-free agricultural produce.

Yet, the market grapples with multifaceted issues. The ground in which the market operates is a low-lying area prone to flooding during the rainy season. Traders resort to makeshift solutions like using tarpaulin to shield against rain and sun. Additionally, traders advocate for essential amenities such as drinking water facilities, toilets, and electric lighting. Moreover, the lack of parking space due to the proximity of two highways presents a logistical hurdle, with customers suggesting parking solutions under the flyover.

As uncertainties loom over the fate of Bikarnakatte Santhe, stakeholders raised concerns about its potential displacement and called for urgent measures to address infrastructure deficiencies.

Kishore Kottari, a member of Mangaluru City Corporation, expressed the need to explore alternative locations while acknowledging the formidable challenges ahead.

The impending threat to Bikarnakatte Santhe symbolizes more than just the loss of a market; it represents the erosion of heritage and the livelihoods of countless traders. As the debate between progress and preservation ensues, the fate of this iconic weekly market hangs in the balance.