Pune: Kothrud Traders, Citizens Hit By Sudden Closures During Gadkari Visit
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Pune News: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s visit to Pune caused major inconvenience for citizens and shopkeepers in the MIT area, as Pune Police abruptly shut down shops ahead of his arrival. Locals expressed frustration after Gadkari, who was scheduled to inspect the proposed Bajirao Road to Shivaji Road underground project, left the site without conducting any inspection, only accepting a memorandum.
According to reports, shops were forced to close from 11 AM onwards, leaving both citizens and business owners distressed. The unexpected closure affected morning shoppers, who were caught off guard by police instructions citing security reasons.
Merchants in the area were outraged, calling the police action excessive and poorly managed. Visuals and videos showing shuttered shops across the MIT stretch have since gone viral on social media. Traders questioned the logic behind shutting down commerce for a visit that ended without any actual field review.
Locals also criticized the recurring trend of VIP movements disrupting public life. They emphasized that this is not the first time a high-profile visit has resulted in street and business closures in Pune.
Gadkari’s visit was meant to address traffic congestion concerns through the inspection of the four-lane underground road project, considered vital for easing city traffic. However, his early departure without on-ground review sparked disappointment among Pune residents.
