Now, APMC lets only licence-holders in

NAVI MUMBAI: APMC authorities on Monday did not allow anybody except licence- and card-holders to enter the premises in Vashi. Barricading was also done at the market.
As a result, only those directly associated with the functioning of the five wholesale markets could go in, such as wholesale traders, commission agents, transporters, those engaged in weighing, loaders and cleaners.
Until now, retailers were allowed to enter the market area. The latest move brought down crowds by over 70%, keeping out 35,000 of the 50,000 people who enter the premises of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee daily.
There are over 8,000 licence-holders from all categories and some 5,000 mathadi workers (loaders) who will be the only ones allowed entry from now on. A significant number of mathadi workers may not have a licence or card but would be able to give the reference of the licensed operators for whom they work, said the APMC.
Officials said vegetables could be delivered to Mumbai and elsewhere, decreasing the footfall in the APMC area.
The day saw 330 vehicles arriving at APMC against the average of 1,500.