<table style="float: left; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static.gujaratsamachar.com/content_image/content_image_331cec49-1438-40fe-8263-fd055c5fa6d4.gif" data-filename="Surat Metro protests.gif" style="width: 100%;"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="display: flex;justify-content: center;scale: 0.8;">Surat metro protests</td></tr></tbody></table> Shopkeepers situated on the stretch where metro construction is underway in Surat are expressing concerns that their Diwali business may be severely impacted this year as the project has dropped their sales.Metro station construction work near Maskati Hospital located in the city’s Zampa Bazaar area began in March 2023. As the main road has been closed for construction, local businesses have seen a significant drop in foot traffic and sales.Frustrated by the situation, the shopkeepers gathered at Surat Clock Tower Square today to protest, demanding, “Open the road or provide compensation.”The road closure, from Maskati Hospital to the Mahidharpura Post Office, has allegedly brought the area’s commercial activity to a standstill. According to reports, many businesses are struggling to survive.“Initially, compensation was provided, but now, even that has stopped, leaving us without income,” said one of the shopkeepers, echoing the concerns of many others.Placards and slogans were raised against Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), alleging injustice with the businesspersons based on the stretch.The traders had raised their grievances with authorities, but the issues surrounding the construction of the compound wall and the lack of compensation have led to ongoing disputes.Local shopkeepers claim that when the construction started, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, promising compensation for 10 months. When the project wasn’t completed on time, a second MoU for an additional 9 months was signed.However, after 19 months, only a partial compound wall has been built near the tower, leaving the other areas exposed.Additionally, the shopkeepers allege that instead of fully reopening the road, the metro authorities have only cleared a 3-metre-wide path, which isn’t sufficient for customers to access their stores. Moreover, compensation payments have reportedly been halted.“The metro authorities have betrayed us,” said a protester. “They promised to reopen the road in 10 months, but it’s been 19 months, and we are still waiting. As a result, businesses that have been around for 80-90 years are now on the brink of closure.”The shopkeepers are demanding either immediate road access or compensation until the road is fully reopened.There are also accusations that the metro construction has left several surrounding roads in disrepair, adding to the frustration of both residents and businesses.Also read:<a href="https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/gujarat/surat-metro-projects-crane-topples-damages-building-cars" target="_blank">Surat metro project’s crane topples, damages building, cars</a>

Shopkeepers situated on the stretch where metro construction is underway in Surat are expressing concerns that their Diwali business may be severely impacted this year as the project has dropped their sales.

Surat

Surat-News

Gujarat

Diwali in peril for local shopkeepers in Surat due to metro construction

CATEGORIES

CITY NEWS