Normal life was affected as shops and commercial establishments had downed shutters. The BBMP proposed to widen the roads at fifth main, third cross and ninth cross in Chamarajpet. The streets wore a deserted look and people who bought essential things in their next door had to rush to the other parts of the city.
A large number of traders and local residents participated in the protest that was held under the banner of Chamarajpet Varthakara-Malikara Hitarakshana Samithi.
President of the Samithi M Sathish Bhonsle said there was no need for such projects in Chamarajpet as the roads were already wide enough. The problem has been created by the increasing number of vehicles in the City, Bhonsle said. He added that the project would derail the livelihood of traders besides resulting in chopping off many trees.
The vice president of the organisation Vadiraja Sundar Rao alleged that the road widening project was unwarranted and intended to serve those who want to make some fast bucks at the cost of the livelihood of thousands of traders and their families.
The protest passed off peacefully. A posse of policemen were deployed to pre-empt any law and order problem. The agitators said they have faith in peace but if the BBMP goes with its road widening project at Chamarajpet, they would intensify their protest.
BBMP plans to widen increase present width of 80 feet to 100 feet, 10 feet on either side of the road. The residents however, feel, once Metro/Mono rail becomes functional in the City, these lanes and bylanes of Chamarajpet were bound to have smooth flow of traffic, up to Mysore Road.