Koti traders split over Metro route alignment

Three years ago traders of Sultan Bazar and Badichowdi took on the Hyderabad Metro Rail officials in unision but with the Chief Minister promising the Sultan Bazar traders that the traditional market would not be touched, the traders at Badichowdi feel left out.

A member of the Traders Joint Action Committee said that it was ironical to know that the Sultan Bazar Traders called for a bandh on Tuesday as they were quite happy that their shops would not be affected. Shahsibushan, spokesperson, Sultan Bazar Traders Association said, “In spite of the Chief Minister’s promise that Sultan Bazar would not be affected, a fortnight ago L&T officials visited the traditional bazaar at mid-night for survey. The protest is to reach out to the government and remind it of its promise.”

As per the Chief Minister’s promise the Metro would move from Badichowdi, take a left turn towards Tilak Park and head towards Women’s College in Koti.

Suman Gupta, member of Traders Joint Action Committee argues, “About 150 shops would be affected and we would be going all out and if need be take the legal route.” Meanwhile, Sultan Bazar traders argue that only 50 shops will be affected for a 10 ft road at Badichowdi.

According to the route suggested by the Chief Minister there would be reduction of 1 km, earlier it was 1.7 km stretch. The bandh on Tuesday was successful as 200 shops in Sultan Bazar and about 500 hawkers stayed away.