Demolition of Goubert Market in Puducherry begins

The Puducherry Municipality has begun the demolition of the decades-old Goubert Market, popularly known as ‘Periya Kadai’, to facilitate its reconstruction under a comprehensive plan.

On Tuesday (October 14, 2025), workers began demolishing a portion of the market housing meat stalls on Rangapillai Street. Acting on a Madras High Court order, which permitted the demolition of shops that were in poor condition, the civic body began pulling down around 51 shops to pave the way for their reconstruction.

Poor maintenance

Established by the French, the market, spread over 2.9 acres, houses 572 permanent shops and 400 temporary outlets. It had stood the test of time through several decades and remained the most-preferred location for meat, fish, and fresh vegetables. However, the market had become unsafe and unhygienic due to its crumbling infrastructure and poor amenities, such as lack of water supply and sanitation. 

The market has been devoid of maintenance and improvement measures for a long time. While the main thoroughfares around the market underwent changes, the traders continued to function more or less out of the age-old complex. 

Opposition from traders

The demolition and reconstruction proposal of the Goubert Market witnessed several ups and downs. Initially, the government had planned to take up the reconstruction at an estimated cost of ₹36 crore under the Smart Cities Mission. However, the project was abandoned after traders opposed the move.

According to an official, “We have started the process of demolition of shops that are not fit for occupancy. The civic body has already demolished the parapet wall of the market on Jawaharlal Nehru Street. The shops will be demolished in phases as part of the modernisation project. Once completed, the market will be equipped with facilities for traders.”

With the first phase of the demolition work already under way, most shops facing Rangapillai Street have been cleared. Alternative arrangements will be made for the traders until the shops are reconstructed under the comprehensive plan.

The civic body has assured that the livelihood of traders will not be disrupted by the modernisation works at the market. “We have agreed to provide them with space at the same area,” the official added.