Vehicular movement on NH 17 affected due to 24-hr bandh call

Udupi, Oct 30 (UNI) Vehicular movement came to grinding halt between Shiroor and Hejamady on National Highway 17 following a 24-hour NH 17 bandh call which began at 0700 hrs today.

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

The bandh call was given by 'Rastriya Heddary 17 Ulisi' (Save National Highway 17) by the public in protest against inordinate delay and negligence shown by the Central government 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could not get their express buses plying between Mangalore and Kundapura as the Canara Buses Operator's Association had withdrawn its service in support for the bandh.

Youngsters were seen playing Volleyball, Cricket, Kabaddi and even Bhajans were also held on the deserted NH 17.

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 incident free. Elaborate police bundobust had been made in the district with deployment five platoons of KSRP and six Armed Reserved Police.

UNI