The much-awaited redevelopment of the Onion Potato Market under the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi is now facing fresh challenges, with the market still in a state of disrepair. Although plans to redevelop the market have been talked about for years, the final decision is yet to be made, leaving traders forced to operate in dilapidated condition buildings.

While traders continue their business in unsafe alleys within the market complex, where the deteriorating infrastructure has raised concerns. With plaster falling off the walls, the APMC has taken temporary measures to prevent accidents, including the installation of iron pillars to support the market stalls. However, questions are being raised about whether these emergency repairs will delay the long-overdue redevelopment further.

The shift of the wholesale onion and potato market from Old Mumbai to Navi Mumbai was first proposed in 1981, with CIDCO constructing a new market on a 7.92-hectare plot in Turbhe in 1979/80. However, due to poor construction quality, the stalls began to deteriorate over the years. As a result, the market was added to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s list of dangerous buildings in 2003. In the past two years, there has been renewed pressure from traders and local bodies to redevelop the market, though progress has been slow, especially with the onset of elections.

Redevelopment discussions began in earnest again after a ceiling plaster collapse in the secretary's office, which pushed the issue to the forefront. Despite several meetings, there has been little concrete action, and the latest repairs, involving iron supports for over 240 market stalls, have raised concerns that the redevelopment may be delayed once more. The repair work is expected to cost between ₹ 35 to 40 lakhs.

Since 2005, the redevelopment of the Onion Potato Market has been a priority, but due to various issues, including financial constraints and disagreements among traders, the project has failed to progress. Last September, the redevelopment was thought to be in its final stages, with technical and legal formalities nearing completion. However, with the APMC's repair work underway, doubts are being raised about the future timeline.

Suresh Mohade, Executive Engineer at APMC, confirmed the ongoing safety measures: “Iron angles have been installed on the stalls as a precaution to support them temporarily while the redevelopment plans are finalized.”