Retailing is the loudest buzz in today’s Indian economic progress. Keeping with the rush of setting up large format stores, the German retail giant, Metro Cash-n-Carry started its first serious foray in Kolkata bang on EM Bypass about 2 km south of Ruby Hospital at Singhabari.
The construction of the outlet began over a year ago and the large green-topped plot was gradually taking the shape of Metro’s grand plans. Then suddenly around March-April last, all activities stopped. Apparently there is a serious land dispute that has now gone to Supreme Court for resolving.
As the 2 pictures below, taken a month back, show the main structure of the outlet is already done. Now the place has to be readied for selling in the main shop building and storage facility in the backyard.
In anticipation of commencement of business soon, Metro has already enlisted a large number of end-sellers in the city and suburbs that will source items from it. Metro has also tied up supplies of livestock and fish from countryside, and has even given training to suppliers for maintaining high standards of produce at the time of supplying.
However, for all it has done thus far, stalemate continues at their Bypass construction site. One can see huge pile-up of materials and equipments there waiting to be put to use.
The outlet was originally planned for inauguration during last Puja, postponed thereafter to December and later to June this year. Now it’s not clear when it’ll start operating.
On their part Metro is trying its every bit to get better of the land fiasco. But then until the court decides, Metro’s plans will have to remain on hold.
Meanwhile though Spencers’ of RPG Group has already opened its retail outlet, albeit a smaller one, close by at the crossing of newly opened Prince Anwar Shah Connector with Bypass.
Update, 6 Dec 2007:
The Supreme Court has vacated the stay on construction of work at the Metro site early this week. With the arrival of the court order, the Metro authorities are upbeat that the store will roll out operations by mid-2008. Visiting the spot now, one can see the activities picking up again.
The general manager, Purchase
Metro Cash n carry, Kolkata
Dear sir,
We union enterprise intersted to be vendor for supply of ready made textiles.
zPls advise ur formalities to be registered
h rehman
unitex industries
kolkata west bengal
Hello
I am an Indian born Engineer living in Canada. I got interested to check the development of a new food chain supply in WB, whereby the farmers are allegedly getting small returns for their labour, while the consumers in Kolkata might be paying a high price, while the middlemen make a killing. It has been alleged that the Forward Block party, of the left front, is deeply involved, along with corporations, in this scheme.
I learned that Mr. Partha Bhattacharya might be following this issue for a while now, and might be able to provide some details.
I was contemplating sending an email to two to relevant MLAs or ministries in the WB Government asking them to explain the development, or consider asking for details per the Right of Information Act.
I am also involved in broadcasting a Bengali language Podast, and maintaining a web blog and a bulletin board – and the idea has been to bring such issues to public as possible.
Appreciate if you can help.
Best regards
Santanu Mitra
10891 Cherry Lane, Delta, BC, B4E3L7, Canada
+1-604-6497535, tonu@me.com
Hi Santanu,
Thanks for your comments. For Metro Cash-n-Carry the initial hiccups are now over and the store is running smoothly. One hears they plan to expand their operations soon.
Partha