Jaipur: Around 500 shops in Walled City remained shut for several hours Saturday as traders protested against the one-way traffic system, alleging it had hit customer footfall and business. Shopkeepers from Old Amer Road, Subhash Chowk, Chandi Ki Taksal and Hawa Mahal staged a demonstration at Badi Chaupar. They warned of a larger agitation if their demands were not met.The protest began around 10.30am and continued until 2.30pm. Some shops reopened between 3pm and 3.30pm, while others remained closed. Traders said they would submit a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of police (traffic), demanding a comprehensive traffic plan before further changes were introduced.
Traders shut their shops against the new traffic management by Jaipur police at Hawa Mahal area in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 17 October 2026
The traders are particularly opposed to the diversion on the road connecting Subhash Chowk to Hawa Mahal. They alleged that one-way routes and closed dividers had made markets less accessible to customers, affecting business during the run-up to Diwali, when tourist and shopping footfall typically increases.Jaipur Vyapar Mahasangh general secretary Suresh Saini said, “Repeated demands for a systematic traffic management plan had gone unheeded.” He argued that traffic restrictions were being introduced without adequately assessing their impact on businesses and visitors, including foreign tourists.
Traders shut their shops against the new traffic management by Jaipur police at Hawa Mahal area in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 17 October 2026
Rajendra Tanwar, adviser to the Subhash Chowk Vyapar Mandal, said, “The trial run of the one-way system was conducted last week and had affected traders across the three market areas.” He claimed business at around 500 shops had suffered, directly affecting nearly 2,500 families, as each shop employed four to 10 people.Tanwar said, “Traders marched towards Hawa Mahal, Badi Chaupar and the police station to register their opposition. Traffic officials told them they were implementing orders from senior authorities and could not take decisions independently.”Traders were also unable to meet DCP Yogesh Goyal. Although they received assurances, no concrete solution had emerged.Shopkeepers from all four trade associations participated in the demonstration. Tourist guides also extended support, warning they would join the agitation if the issue remained unresolved.The traders demanded that authorities consult market representatives and assess the impact on customers and tourists before implementing one-way routes. They said Saturday’s protest was symbolic and warned of an intensified agitation if their concerns were not addressed.
