Tue Oct 14 07:53:59 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Puducherry Municipality has commenced the demolition of the Goubert Market (also known as ‘Periya Kadai’) following a Madras High Court order. The demolition is part of a comprehensive plan to reconstruct the decades-old market, which has fallen into disrepair. The initial demolition phase targets unsafe shops, with alternative arrangements being made for traders until the reconstruction is complete. The market, established by the French, has served as a vital hub for meat, fish, and vegetable sales but has suffered from a lack of maintenance and poor amenities. A previous reconstruction plan was abandoned due to trader opposition.

**News Article:**

**Puducherry’s Historic Goubert Market Undergoes Demolition for Modernization**

**PUDUCHERRY, INDIA – October 14, 2025** – The Puducherry Municipality today began demolishing the iconic Goubert Market, a bustling hub also known as “Periya Kadai,” marking the beginning of a long-awaited modernization project. The demolition, initiated following a Madras High Court order, aims to rebuild the dilapidated structure and provide improved facilities for traders and customers alike.

The first phase of the demolition focused on unsafe meat stalls on Rangapillai Street, with approximately 51 shops being cleared. The market, a landmark established during the French colonial era, has served as a primary source for fresh produce, meat, and fish for generations. However, years of neglect have left it with crumbling infrastructure and inadequate amenities.

“We have started the process of demolition of shops that are not fit for occupancy,” stated a municipal official. “The shops will be demolished in phases as part of the modernization project.”

The comprehensive plan aims to equip the rebuilt market with modern facilities, addressing long-standing issues of water supply and sanitation. An earlier reconstruction attempt was abandoned after facing opposition from traders. The municipality has assured that traders will be provided with alternative spaces during the reconstruction process and that their livelihoods will not be disrupted.

The demolition signifies a significant step towards revitalizing a vital part of Puducherry’s commercial landscape, promising a cleaner, safer, and more modern market experience for all. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with ongoing efforts to minimize disruption to local businesses and residents.

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