Excavation work to set up a modernised textile hub at the E.K.M. Abdul Gani Textile Market Complex (Gani market) at Coimbatore’s Panneerselvam Park is under way and construction work is expected to start soon. The city corporation plans to modernise the textile hub under the Smart City Mission project at a cost of Rs. 51.59 crore. The work started last December.

The wholesale and textile market with 1,100 shops was functioning without basic amenities and space crunch. More than 220 shops were removed and allotted temporary shops in the premises after which the project began with a completion time schedule of 12 months, according to a report in a top South Indian daily.

Corporation officials said that the hub would house 292 shops and would have separate parking facility for cars and two-wheelers, besides basic amenities and dining area.