Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has embarked on a substantial project to redevelop the Marol municipal fish market into a modern, multifunctional facility. This redevelopment initiative, funded by the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is expected to cost Rs 100 crore and aims to provide an improved experience for vendors and customers while boosting local commerce.
The redevelopment will transform the existing Marol fish market into a state-of-the-art facility, featuring essential modern amenities such as cold storage, waste recycling systems, and dedicated parking spaces. The upgraded market will cater to both wholesale and retail fish vendors, ensuring a more efficient and hygienic trading environment. Additionally, the new facility will house an auditorium and a café, creating a multifunctional community space. The Rs 100 crore project is financed through a collaboration between central and state government agencies. Under the PMMSY, the BMC will bear 50% of the total construction costs, while the remaining funds will be sourced from the fisheries department—Rs 60 crore from the central government and Rs 40 crore from the state government.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise Mumbai’s municipal markets, improving infrastructure and facilities for vendors and customers alike. Located in Mumbai’s K-East ward, the redevelopment of the Marol fish market is expected to be completed within the next two to three years. Once completed, the facility will primarily serve the residents of the western suburbs, providing a more convenient and enhanced market experience. During a recent site inspection, senior officials from the BMC, including the deputy municipal commissioner (improvements), the assistant commissioner (markets), representatives from Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), and members of the Marol Bazar Fish Seller Koli Mahila Sansthan, were present. This meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in the redevelopment project and highlighted the need for modern infrastructure to support local traders.
A senior BMC official compared the future Marol fish market to the Waterfront Market in Dubai, emphasizing that the new facility will provide a conducive environment for various traders, including fishermen, butchers, and vegetable vendors. The redevelopment aims to create a vibrant marketplace that boosts local commerce and supports Mumbai’s fisheries industry. Significant progress has already been made towards the redevelopment, with Rs 50 crore approved by the state-level sanctions and control committee. This approval marks a crucial step forward in ensuring the project’s completion on schedule.
Once the market is operational, it is expected to provide numerous benefits, including better infrastructure for vendors, improved facilities for customers, and enhanced support for Mumbai’s fisheries sector. The modernised market will help to address the current inadequacies in market facilities, promote local commerce, and contribute to the city’s economic growth. The redevelopment of the Marol municipal fish market is a critical component of Mumbai’s broader efforts to modernise its market infrastructure and enhance local trade. With significant funding and support from the central and state governments, the project is set to create a state-of-the-art facility that caters to the needs of both vendors and customers. This initiative not only aims to improve the local economy but also to provide a cleaner, more efficient marketplace for all.
