06
Oct

DC orders vehicle ban on D.D. Urs Road last evening

“We introduced the system experimentally last evening; yesterday was the first day. However, as shopkeepers and businessmen opposed the move, starting this evening, there will be no restrictions on vehicle movement. People can freely move around in their vehicles and walk to enjoy the lights. Although the initiative was well-intended, we have decided to drop it in light of the protests and opposition from the business community,” the DC said.
Local traders and residents protested last evening against the complete ban on vehicular movement along Devaraj Urs Road. The administration had imposed the ban to restrict  vehicle access during evening hours until the end of Dasara, allowing pedestrians to enjoy the festive illuminations.
Businessmen, residents frustrated
In line with this directive, the Police removed parked vehicles at 4 pm and barricaded K.R. Circle, the JLB Road Junction and all connecting side streets. However, the abrupt road closures left motorists stranded, traders without customers and residents near Devaraj Urs Road frustrated.
By 6 pm, tensions escalated as frustrated traders and residents took to the streets. Traders, facing an evening without business, irritated by the inability to reach their homes, surrounded Police Officers and demanded answers for the vehicle ban.