Today, over one year after traders set up shop in the complex, the promised business boom is yet to materialise. The main problem associated with the poor pick-up in trading from the Koyambedu complex is the lack of infrastructure.

The sprawling 40-acre complex is located about 10 km from the heart of the city. The roads leading to the complex are dotted (continuously) with potholes. The number of buses plying to the complex are also inadequate. The freight rates are also higher due to the location of the complex, away from any business or trading centre.

The distance and the bad roads deter traders and retail consumers from frequenting the market. While trade is notpicking up, the traders are also straddled with rentals for the shop space allocated to them.

Koyambedu is the main wholesale market complex which houses three sections for flower, fruits and vegetables. The market was constructed by the state government at a cost of more than Rs 50 crore to promote an organised market for perishable goods from Chennai.

But while no cost was spared for setting up the complex the supporting infrastructure has not been developed at all.

And, meanwhile, the traders allege that a parallel market has sprung up in the busy Parry's Corner locality which was earlier the hub of the wholesale perishables market. This has also contributed to dull business at the Koyambedu complex, they say.