Modelling a vegetable and fruit market to aid modernisation

Abstract

We present in this paper, an operational study of CJ Patel Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market of Ahmedabad city using simulation. This market was built in the year 1996 in order to reduce congestion in another older market. Viewed as a dynamic queuing system, simulations suggest that even though the buildings are designed to last a lot longer, utility of this complex as a market place will diminish considerably in just 10 to 15 years. So much so that by the year 2010 A.D., it may become necessary to move out yet again. Such an eventuality can be warded off, if loading, unloading and other handling systems are modernised and made speedier. A more general conclusion is that design procedures for such markets in future need to recognize these as dynamic queuing systems and not just an assembly of buildings and road.