Traders halt Surat Metro construction work in Bhagal

Surat: Traders in the Bhagal area of Surat launched protests today against the ongoing Metro construction, halting the work to express their grievances. The protest follows over 22 months of financial struggles due to disrupted access to shops and the lack of compensation for their losses. Hundreds of shopkeepers, including those from Aryaman Arcade, united in their demand for a resolution, as the road remains blocked, causing significant economic losses.

Traders from Aryaman Arcade, which houses 325 shops, voiced their anger today, citing a severe decline in business. Customers are unable to access the area due to the construction, leaving shops with no foot traffic. As a result, traders gathered and instructed workers to cease work. The Metro construction was suspended after noon in response to the protest.

One shopkeeper told the media, “The road has been closed since 2023. We were told that 50% of the road would be closed, and the rest would remain operational, but later the barricades were increased, closing our access and leaving only the footpath. We have been making requests to authorities for the past 18 months, but no solution has come. Therefore, we have all decided not to let the work continue unless we get a solution or compensation.”

Another trader from Aryaman Arcade expressed frustration, saying, “We’ve been suffering for months, with our business operating at only 20% of its normal capacity. Our business has dropped drastically, and despite several appeals to the Metro authorities, no solution has been provided. We will no longer allow this work to continue. Starting tomorrow, all 325 traders will set up tables on the road and sell our goods.” DeshGujarat