Traffic on NH 17 affected due to bandh

Udupi, Oct 30 (UNI) Vehicular movement came to a grinding halt between Shiroor and Hejamady on National Highway 17, following the 24-hour NH 17 bandh called today.

According to the district police, the bandh was peaceful.

However, vehicles carrying essential commodities were exempted from the bandh.

The call was given by 'Rashtriya Heddary 17 Ulisi' (Save National Highway 17) by the public in protest against the inordinate delay and negligence by the Centre in repairing the highway, despite several representation made by various agencies.

Large number of daily commuters between Kundapura-Udupi-Mangalore, mainly the office-goers could not get their express buses plying between Mangalore and Kundapura as the Canara Buses Operator's Association had cancelled its services in support for the bandh.

However, city buses both in Mangalore and Udupi, passing through NH 17 were seen plying as usual though there was only skeleton service to some moffusil areas.

According to the district police, the bandh was peaceful. Five platoons of KSRP and six Armed Reserved Police were also deployed.

UNI