Abstract

Market centers are the points of interactions for socio-economic functions and services. The relative importance of the market centers are largely dependent on the functional range and magnitude which includes both commercial and non-commercial functions offered by market centers. This study tries to analyze the spatial linkages of Panchkhal market, through the collection of primary data and information in December, 2016. Generally, five types of functions are identified in the market and most of them are retail shops of mixed types. Catering and occupational services have also increased in the market in the recent years. Panchkhal Market mostly depends on Banepa and Kathmandu for goods and services. Medical facilities are supplied mainly from Dhulikhel and Banepa, and occasionally from Kathmandu. Birgunj, Hetauda, Bhaktapur are main supplier points of cement, rod and chemical fertilizer. It is relatively a small market center and provides small range of goods and services to the local communities. After declaration of the municipality in 2014, its zone of influence is expanding mostly towards adjoining rural villages of north and south. Nevertheless, fluctuation of customers’ visit was also observed during the filed study.

Key words: Market center, functional linkages, functional range and magnitude, costumer, goods and services, local communities.