Normal traffic movement resumed on Church Street in Bengaluru on Wednesday, after several traders took objection to the ban on vehicles on the road for six months.
The BBMP and the Traffic police closed Church Street for traffic on Tuesday as part of the TenderSURE project to revamp a stretch of the road, and this was met with resistance from traders. The Rs 9.02 crore project is expected to take nearly six months to be completed.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Irfan Noor, secretary, Church Street Occupants Association said:
"The development work affects the business very badly, but banning vehicles would mean that the business would hit rock bottom. It will then be difficult for traders to run their businesses, pay the rents and wages to the employees. Such bans cannot work on this busy and crucial road which provides employment to over 5,000 people," he said.
The traders then sought the intervention of the local MLA NA Haris, who in turn reportedly took up the matter with the BBMP. According to Irfan Noor, the MLA has asked BBMP to go about the project in a phased manner and not obstruct traffic movement completely.
The proposed street will have better roads and, most importantly, will be pedestrian friendly. The redesign will include fixing the drainage system, beautifying the road, installing 40 LED lights and avoiding unnecessary road repair works.
