Tiruchi Corporation has begun construction of an integrated wholesale vegetable and fruit market complex in Panjapur on the Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway.

A sum of ₹236 crore had been sanctioned under the Infrastructure and Amenities Funds (I&A Funds), Capital Grant Fund 2025-26, and Corporation Fund 2025-26 for the project.

The project was proposed in 2023; however, it was delayed owing to challenges in finalising the financial tie-up. “The contractor had been asked to carry out the work in full swing and the project would be completed within 24 months from the commencement of the work,” said V. Saravanan, Tiruchi Collector.

The market will have seven blocks with ground plus two floors. It will have 1,023 shops. The first and second blocks will have 872 shops, with 436 shops in each block. The first and second blocks will house both wholesale and retail shops. Of the 1,023 shops, 100 will be allotted to pulse traders.

A separate open auction facility will be constructed on an area of 37,500 sq. ft. Construction of a dining hall with a seating capacity of 150, construction of sanitation complexes on all floors, and a parking lot with the facility to park 102 cars are among the parts of the project.

As many as 297 trees from the park, which was once raised with public support, were said to be removed and transplanted in other places. At present, over 120 native trees of neem, pungai, naaval, illupai, and marutham species were uprooted and translocated along the service road of Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway near Mannarpuram to facilitate the construction of the market.

The remaining trees near the parking space and the surrounding areas would be retained and protected. According to the rule, 10 saplings would be planted for every tree removed along the Edamalaipattipudur Road, Panjapur, and nearby areas to boost green cover, Mr. Saravanan added.