Bhavnagar Alang Market – Largest Second-hand Market

Have you ever wondered what happens to giant ships at the end of their life? Many of them come to Alang in Gujarat, a place that has become the world’s largest ship-breaking yard. And right next to this massive industrial operation is a market like no other: the Alang Market. Here, maritime history is sold piece by piece.

This market sells everything that comes out of those old ships. From giant engine parts and propellers to tiny teacups and cutlery from the captain’s table, you can find almost anything here. It is a treasure trove for people who want unique, durable items at very low prices. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to explore this amazing and chaotic place.

Plan Your Visit

A good plan makes for a great trip. The market is vast and can be overwhelming, so knowing the basics before you go will help you make the most of your time.

Market Timings and Open Days

Many people ask about the market’s schedule. It is quite simple and visitor-friendly.

• Open Days: The market is open every day of the week, including Sunday.
• Timings: Shops usually open around 9:00 AM and close by 7:00 PM. The market gets busiest from late morning to the afternoon.
• Closure: The market does not have a specific weekly holiday. However, individual shops might be closed on major public holidays like Diwali or Eid.

So, yes, Alang market is open on Sunday, which is one of the busiest days as it is a convenient day for local families and tourists to visit.

Address and Location

The market is located near the Alang-Sosiya ship-breaking yard in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It is not a single shopping complex but a long stretch of road with shops and yards on both sides.

• Main Address: Alang Market, Near Alang Ship Breaking Yard, Alang, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India.

Since the market is huge and spread out over several kilometers, different sections have different shops. Goods are often grouped together. For example, if you are looking for furniture, you can ask for the Alang furniture market address, and locals will guide you to that specific area, which might be a few kilometers down the road from the electronics section.

Contact Information

There is no single official contact number for the entire market. It is a collection of many individual shops, most of which are part of an unorganized sector. If you need to contact a specific seller, you must get their number when you visit. For general inquiries about the ship-breaking yard itself, you can search for the Gujarat Maritime Board contact details.

How to Get There

Alang is well-connected by road, making it accessible from major cities in Gujarat.

• From Bhavnagar: Alang is about 50 kilometers (km) from Bhavnagar city. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach by car or a state transport bus, which is the most common way to travel.
• From Ahmedabad: The distance is around 200 km. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive from Ahmedabad to Alang. Hiring a car is a good option, especially if you plan on buying larger items.
• From Vadodara and Rajkot: The market is also accessible from Vadodara (approx. 240 km) and Rajkot (approx. 220 km), with driving times of 5-6 hours.

What Can You Buy? A Shopper’s Paradise

Alang is famous for the sheer variety of products available. Almost everything that is used to build and run a massive ocean liner can be found here. The items are sorted and sold in different sections of the market.

Furniture

This is one of the most popular sections. You can find high-quality wooden and metal furniture that was once used on ships, built to last in harsh sea conditions.

• Items: Sofa sets, captain’s chairs, bunk beds from crew quarters, heavy-duty metal cabinets, tables, cupboards, and mattresses.
• Quality: The furniture is often made from excellent quality wood like teak, seasoned by years at sea, making it highly resistant to pests.
• Price: A sofa set price or bed price in Alang is usually much lower than in regular stores for comparable quality.

Electronics and Appliances

Ships have a lot of electronic equipment. You can find used but functional items here, often at a fraction of their original cost.

• Items: Air conditioners (AC), refrigerators (fridge), industrial-grade washing machines, and lights.
• Other finds: The alang electrical market also sells huge bundles of wires, heavy-duty cables, switches, and complex control panels from the ship’s bridge.

Kitchen and Crockery

Every ship has a kitchen (galley) designed for commercial use. All its contents end up here.

• Items: You can find commercial kitchen equipment like large ovens and mixers, stainless steel sinks, cutlery, plates, and unique crockery, sometimes with the logos of international shipping lines.

Industrial and Hardware

This is the core of Alang market. It is a huge source of scrap and industrial goods for manufacturers and builders.

• Metals: The alang scrap market sells iron, steel, brass, and copper by weight. It is also known as the “lokhand market” (iron market).
• Machinery: You can find used motors, powerful generators, large machines, and all kinds of power tools. You might even find parts of the main ship engine.
• Hardware: The market also has a huge collection of nuts, bolts, pipes, valves, plywood, paint, and industrial hardware tools.

Other Unique Finds

You can also find things you would not expect, which makes exploring the market a real treasure hunt.

• Gym Equipment: Many large ships have gyms for the crew, so you can find sturdy treadmills and weight sets.
• Boats: Lifeboats and other smaller boats from the main ship are also sold, which can be repurposed for fishing.
• Textiles: You can find large quantities of carpets, fire-retardant curtains, tarpaulin (tripal or tadpatri), and thick rubber sheets.

Prices and Shopping Tips

Shopping in Alang is a unique experience. Here’s what you need to know about prices and how to shop smart.

How Prices Work

• No Fixed Rates: There are no fixed “alang market rates.” Prices are not printed on items. The price is what the seller decides to quote at that moment.
• Bargaining is Key: You must negotiate for every item. It is an expected part of the culture. The final price depends on the item’s condition and your bargaining skill. Don’t be afraid to start with a low offer.
• Scrap by Weight: Scrap metal is sold by weight (per kilogram), and the rate changes daily based on the global market.

Tips for a Good Shopping Trip

1. Check Everything: Check the condition of every item carefully before you buy it, especially electronics. If possible, ask the seller to test it for you.
2. Go with a Plan: The market is huge and can be overwhelming. Have an idea of what you want to buy to save time and stay focused.
3. Take Your Time: Do not rush. Compare prices and quality at a few different shops before making a decision.
4. Cash is King: While some larger shops may accept digital payments, it is always better to carry cash, as most sellers operate on a cash basis.
5. Be Prepared: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking. Carry water and sun protection, as much of the market is outdoors.

Can You Shop From Alang Online?

Many people search for “alang market online.” Currently, there is no official online store for the entire market. It is primarily an offline, physical market. This is because most items are one-of-a-kind and their condition varies greatly, making it difficult to sell them online. Some individual dealers might sell products on their own websites, but you have to find them individually. For the true Alang experience and the best prices, you must visit in person.

The Story Behind the Market: The Shipyard

The Alang market exists because of the Alang ship-breaking yard, a place of immense scale and activity.

• The Yard: It is the world’s largest graveyard for old ships. Ships from all over the world are sailed to the coast of Alang and beached during high tide. Hundreds of workers then begin the long, careful process of taking them apart piece by piece.
• The Market: Everything that is removed from the ship—from the engine to the furniture and life jackets—is then sent to the market to be sorted and sold. That is why it is called the Alang shipyard market. The term “shipping market” refers to this global business of buying and selling ships and their salvaged parts.

This guide covers almost everything a person might ask about Alang Market. It is a must-visit place for anyone looking for a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into the incredible world of ship recycling.