Thirteen major wholesale Agricultural Produce Markets (APM) have shifted to Vashi node. In Phase-I for the onion and potato market, 238 shop-cum-godowns, a large auction hall and a four storeyed central facility building were constructed in 1981 on a 7.92 ha. plot. In Phase-II for the processed products, 660 shop-cum-godowns, a five-storeyed central office building with 9,947 m2 of built-up space housing, 272 traders' offices were constructed. Construction work for 412 shop-cum-godowns and a large central facility building with 15,755 m2 of built-up space housing 356 traders' offices is also completed.

The wholesale vegetables and fruit markets have also been shifted from Mumbai in early 1996. Thus the business of a large number of traders, their agents and workers involving over 60,000 jobs are now located in Navi Mumbai.

On similar lines, wholesale trader in iron and steel has been shifted to Kalamboli node on the eastern side for which Iron and Steel Market Complex spread over 300 ha. has already been developed. Nearly, 2,000 wholesale merchants and commission agents have purchased plots in this complex, and 364 have already shifted their trade. Three main associations of iron and steel trade have created a large office space for their members. National level bulk stockists if Iron and Steel, i.e. Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and Tata Iron & Steel Company (TISCO), have set up large scale warehousing facilities in the complex. Central warehousing corporation, container corporation of India are among others.

The impact of shifting of agro-markets and iron and steel markets has been felt significantly. It has resulted in releasing activity space and reducing traffic congestion in Mumbai. An estimated 5,000 trucks to APM and 2,500 trucks for ISM which otherwise would have gone to Mumbai are now terminated at Navi Mumbai every day. From the wedge of Mumbai they are now shifted to a location more centrally placed within MMR. Leading to significant economy in the distribution costs of produce an estimated trade turnover of over Rs. 60 billions annually is expected from these markets. The markets are also estimated to provide 60,000 direct jobs and accommodate 1,00,000 visitors daily. The multiplier impact of the markets is felt in the development of transport and trucking, warehousing, cold storage, housing for traders and workers, finance and other sundry services.

The total job opportunities will be about 20,000. The Thane-Belapur industrial area, which is a leading industrial belt with multinational companies, has created job opportunities for more than 1,00,000. About 30,000 jobs are created in port-based and Infotech Parks and warehousing activities at Dronagiri.

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