Fifty-five days after enforcement of lockdown to contain spread of coronavirus, normalcy was restored to a large extent in city with all office work and business activity resuming.
Though the police anticipated chaos on major intersections as people could suddenly surge onto the roads, no major traffic jams were witnessed on Tuesday. The traffic built slowly and by afternoon, the usual city buzz was on the witness in most parts of the city. Most of the flyovers across the city were opened to ensure a hassle-free drive to motorists.
Readymade garments and cloth showrooms, bakeries, unisex hair salons, and spa and other establishments dealing with iron and steel, cables, electrical gadgets, safety gears among other commodities were opened.
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At many places, shopkeepers put up a rope on both sides to restrict the entry of customers into the premises, and transactions were conducted from outside only. “We are adhering to Covid-19 norms issued by the government to carry out our business,” said Telangana State Federation of Textiles Association president Prakash Ammanabolu.
As it was the first day, the staff at stores is seen busy cleaning up their premises in the morning before getting on with regular business. Barring areas in the containment zone, activities in all commercial localities in Secunderabad, Abids, Gunfoundry, Troop Bazaar, Siddiam Bazaar, Begum Bazaar, Afzalgunj, and surroundings started from 9 am.
As there was no public transport, most opted to travel on their own vehicles. A large number of employees came to their workplace with their colleagues who are having bikes. Some hired auto-rickshaws and cabs that were allowed to operate with limited passengers were also seen getting busy.
The areas near Monda Market, Ranigunj, General Bazaar, Bible House, and S D Road teemed with people. A large number of vehicles were seen at the ever-busy junctions at Sangeet theatre, Patny Centre, Paradise Circle, Ranigunj, etc.
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As night curfew is still in vogue, shopkeepers downed the shutters by 5 pm and returned to their residence. But, the usual hustle-bustle was missing at Secunderabad, Nampally, and Kacheguda railway stations as permission were not given to operate regular train services except for Shramik special trains to ferry migrant labourers to their native places.
The environs at Secunderabad railway station which buzz with activity till late night almost wore a deserted look since morning. A few auto-rickshaws were seen plying near the station to drop those working in Secunderabad and Monda Market.
However, a few eateries were opened to deliver only parcels.
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