BENGALURU: The BBMP and traffic police, who had blocked the movement of traffic on Church Street on Tuesday, had to bow to the pressure from traders and allow the movement of traffic on the busy road from Wednesday.
Traders on Church Street were caught off guard when the one-way suddenly turned into a 'no vehicle' road on Tuesday. Traders said that it was hard to imagine Church Street without parking space.
Mr Irfan Noor, secretary, Church Street Occupants Association, said that the ban on vehicle movement was a bolt from the blue for hundreds of traders. "The development work affects the business very badly, but banning vehicles would mean that the business would hit the 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 spoke to local MLA N.A. Haris and apprised him of the problems. Mr Haris asked the BBMP authorities whether they can complete the TenderSure works within six months if the traffic is completely banned. But, officials could not give a convincing answer. Mr Haris then directed the officials to take up the works in pieces and allow traffic movement, Mr Noor said.
The BBMP has taken up the development work on the 912-metre stretch of Church Street at a cost of Rs 11 crore. The work will include improving pedestrian facility, providing LED streetlights, shifting utilities and upgrading the road.
