Mumbai: Traffic congestion was reported in parts of the city on Monday with Gudi Padwa and Ramzan shoppers thronging markets, besides those in a rush to stock supplies at home. Western suburbs and central Mumbai appeared to be affected the most. There was heavy traffic in Parel and Dadar. “Both bounds of Babasaheb Ambedkar Road witnessed congestion. Several garment stores kept their shutters half open near Plaza Cinema to avoid police action,” said a local resident, Margaret Fernandes. Shoppers also thronged Crawford Market and Abdul Rehman Street throughout Monday.
Unusual crowds were seen in local markets in the western suburbs. “People were stocking up essential supplies, causing slow movement of traffic. Snarls were reported at Malad’s Natraj market and markets in Marol, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari and Andheri,” said a police officer. Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road was congested from morning up to 4pm. Mumbai police issued challans to 1,875 motorists and seized 78 vehicles over the weekend for flouting lockdown guidelines. Police also lodged 163 cases against people for violating the government notification, crowding and shops stocking non-essential supplies staying open. tnn
