Kolathur’s fish market is set for a ₹3-crore upgrade, as Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) plans to add a parking facility, imposing entry gates, and striking cylindrical aquarium pods, a space designed to give traders, visitors, and buyers, a modern marketplace.
The projects, included the construction of a four-wheeler parking facility, the erection of cylindrical aquarium pods, and the provision of an ornamental entry gate with compound walls, as per a document shared by the CMDA.
The four-wheeler parking facility has been planned over an area of 1,905 square metres adjacent to Sivasakthi Colony Road. The design, includes paved surfaces, stormwater drains, plumbing lines, electrical fittings, and lighting. This project is estimated to cost over ₹2 crore, and is scheduled for completion within three months of site handover.
For access, the Authority sanctioned the construction of entry gates and an ornamental arch, along with compound walls on the western and southern sides of the complex, at an estimated cost of ₹65 lakh and this work is to be completed in two months.
Inside the market, the CMDA plans to install small cylindrical aquarium pods below the open-to-sky area. The cylindrical aquarium pods are specified with dimensions of 3.2 metres in diameter and 3.6 metres in height, according to the CMDA. Designed as attraction units for visitors, the pods will be supplied, installed, and erected along with supporting civil and allied work. This package is valued at over ₹50 lakh with a two-month deadline, the Authority said in the document.
The CMDA document noted that the plans followed studies “to identify important projects for the balanced development of North Chennai.” The surveys carried out in 2023 said Kolathur fish trade centre is a key location, where new facilities and upgrades were needed to support trading activity and improve the market environment.
Published – September 02, 2025 12:46 am IST
