Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Chennai Corporation Enlarges Fish Stalls as Vendors Seek Roadside Access
The Greater Chennai Corporation wants to make 108 fish stalls bigger.
Each stall would grow from 30 square feet to 50 square feet.
The project is expected to cost Rs 48.49 lakh.
Some fish sellers say bigger stalls will not solve the main problem.
They say stalls inside the market are hard for customers to see and reach.
Fishermen also want to sell their own fresh catch near the road and shore.
The corporation wants fish sellers off the road so traffic and walking areas stay clear.
Both sides are asking for a solution that supports sellers while reducing congestion.
The Greater Chennai Corporation plans to enlarge 108 Loop Road fish stalls from 30 to 50 square feet.
The Rs 48.49-lakh project covers 48 stalls on the south side and 60 on the west side.
Vendors selling their own catch want permission to continue roadside sales near the seafront.
They say interior stalls have poor visibility, fewer customers, congestion and limited access for unloading fresh fish.
The dispute involves balancing traditional fishing livelihoods with the need to keep Loop Road clear and safe.
- Who
- The Greater Chennai Corporation, fishermen and fish vendors are involved.
- What
- The corporation has proposed enlarging 108 fish stalls, while some vendors seek permission to sell their own catch by the roadside.
- When
- The articles do not provide a specific date; the corporation has invited bids for the expansion project.
- Where
- At the modern fish market on Sindhanai Sirpi Singaravelar Salai, commonly known as Loop Road, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The expansion aims to address inadequate selling space, while vendors say roadside access is necessary for visibility, customers and the traditional fishing economy.
Corporation’s Position
Vendors’ Position
Road use and congestion
Corporation’s Position
Fish vending should be moved off the carriageway, pavements and other public access areas to reduce obstruction and improve traffic and pedestrian movement.
Vendors’ Position
Roadside selling remains important to traditional fishing families because it connects them directly with passing customers and the seafront.
Whether larger stalls solve the problem
Corporation’s Position
Expanding 108 stalls is intended to address complaints about inadequate space inside the modern market.
Vendors’ Position
Vendors say size alone will not help because stalls deep inside the complex have poor visibility, fewer customers and difficult access.
Who should sell outside
Corporation’s Position
The corporation’s relocation plan was designed to bring fish vending into the market and improve sanitation and safety.
Vendors’ Position
Vendors seek a separate arrangement allowing fishermen selling their own catch to remain near the roadside, while resellers could stay inside the market.
- Stalls to be enlarged
- 108 stalls
- Planned stall size
- From 30 square feet to 50 square feet
- Project cost
- Rs 48.49 lakh
- Stall distribution
- 48 stalls on the southern side and 60 on the western side
- Market construction cost
- Rs 14.93 crore
- Original market capacity
- 360 stalls
- Location
- Loop Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu