Bengaluru: Vendors and shopkeepers at Russell Market are a worried lot, as the traffic department continues to penalise and even tow away vehicles parked in front of the market. Now as a protest they are planning to shut down shops across Shivajinagar on Saturday.
The parking restriction in front of the Russell Market has hit the businesses, as it is deterring shoppers. Idrees Chaudhary, General Secretary of Russell Market Traders Association said, “After the parking of vehicles was banned near the market, we had planned to carry out our business on the footpath. But now all the shop owners, traders and vendors across Shivajinagar are planning to shut shops on Saturday and everyone has come forward voluntarily to support each other."
He said the parking curbs was also affecting businesses in areas surrounding the market. The open space in front of the market was a convenient parking space for shoppers.
“We will wait and watch till Friday evening. If nothing is done, then on Saturday shops across Russell Market, OPH Road, Chandni Chowk Road, Nala Road, D.R.K. Street and surrounding streets will remain closed for the entire day,” Chaudhary added.
Prannoy Kumar, who comes every week to buy vegetables at the market, was shocked to see that no parking space was available. He said, “I came to Russell Market and found that the erstwhile parking area was barricaded. When I checked with people, they told me to park near the Shivajinagar bus stand or at the Bowring Hospital, which is far off. Even if I park at these places, how will I walk back with three to four bags in my hand?”
Sayeeda Begum, who also had come for shopping had to go back, as there was no space to park her car. “There is an open space in front of the market which was used for parking, but now it is not allowed. The BBMP can hire a private agency to monitor the parking space, instead of prohibiting parking,” she said.
The traders and vendors have mentioned that if the issue is not resolved by the BBMP and traffic department, they will intensify the protest.
