Rosignol Railway Line market demolished

– new Stelling Road Market takes shape, ending years of congestion

After years of planning, warnings, and periodic enforcement actions, the long-standing Rosignol Railway Line Market has finally been dismantled, and vendors are now fully relocated to the purpose-built Stelling Road Market. The move brings an end to one of the major causes of traffic congestion in Rosignol and a focal point of ongoing clashes between Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) authorities and informal traders.

The Railway Line market, once a thriving hub of roadside vending along the former railway corridor, had become notorious for blocking traffic, narrowing key sections of the roadway, and creating unsafe conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike. At peak hours, the cluster of wooden stalls, crates, produce, and coolers spilling onto the road often forced vehicles into single-file movement, contributing to long delays, especially at the approach to the Rosignol stelling and ferry landing.
Attempts to clear the area and move traders began as early as August 2008, when authorities first demolished stalls along the embankment after issuing notices to relocate to a nearby market structure. Vendors repeatedly rebuilt their stalls, and additional removals were documented later that same year and during the early 2010s, reflecting a long-running struggle between enforcement efforts and traders reluctant to leave their established location.
Despite the availability of market space nearer to the Stelling Road, many vendors stayed at the Railway Line market due to customer familiarity and the convenience of high foot traffic. The congestion, however, drew frequent complaints from commuters, business owners, and residents alike, who cited blocked intersections, unsafe pedestrian movement, and increased travel times as daily frustrations.
Under the direction of the Rosignol/Zeelust NDC, structures at the old Railway Line site were recently cleared, and vendors were instructed to move permanently to the Stelling Road market facility, a covered and organised space designed to accommodate the community’s commercial needs while keeping roads clear. Officials say the new market offers better sanitation, safer working conditions, and improved traffic flow.
While some traders expressed initial resistance to the relocation, many have since settled into their new booths and stalls. A handful of vendors told this publication that while they will miss the foot traffic at the old site, they appreciate the security and space afforded by the structured market environment.
Local motorists welcomed the demolition, noting that roads around the old market had frequently become bottlenecks, especially during weekday mornings and evenings.
“It used to take twice as long to get through here, especially when trucks tried to pass each other with people in the way. Now traffic moves much more smoothly,” one minibus operator told this publication.
Some residents also pointed to improved safety: pedestrians no longer have to weave between cars and merchandise, and emergency vehicles can navigate the area with fewer obstructions. NDC officials say regular patrols will continue to ensure that no stalls return to the roadway illegally.
Nevertheless, with the railway line corridor now cleared, NDC planners hope to explore redevelopment or beautification plans for the area to support both commerce and responsible urban use. Traders, meanwhile, are looking forward to the next busy period at the Stelling Road market, hoping that the improved layout will attract shoppers and boost business.