Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Traders Announce Indefinite Shutdown Over Ujjain Road-Widening Plan
Traders in part of Ujjain are upset about a plan to make a road wider.
They say officials marked buildings for the project around 1 a.m.
without speaking to them first.
The traders worry that many shops could be affected.
Their federation says about 70% of traders could lose their businesses.
So the traders plan to close markets starting Monday, October 12.
They also plan peaceful protests in stages.
Some traders say traffic could be improved by dealing with vehicles parked on the road.
They want the administration to discuss the plan with them and consider other options.
The Traders and Residents Federation announced an indefinite market closure from Monday, October 12, after road-widening markings were made overnight.
Traders said officials marked four metres on each side of the road at around 1 a.m. without prior notice or consultation.
The proposed widening runs from Mahakal Square through Gudri Chौराहा to Gopal Mandir.
The federation claims the project could result in the loss of commercial establishments belonging to around 70% of traders in the area.
Traders are calling for alternatives to protect businesses, clearer discussions with the administration, and peaceful protests in phases.
- Who
- The Traders and Residents Federation and traders from Patni Bazaar, Bartan Bazaar, the gold and silver market, and the Gudri area.
- What
- Traders announced an indefinite market shutdown and phased peaceful protests over a proposed road-widening project.
- When
- The shutdown was announced on Sunday and is to begin Monday, October 12; markings were reportedly made around 1 a.m. that Sunday.
- Where
- The road from Mahakal Square through Gudri Chauraha to Gopal Mandir in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Traders say overnight markings were made without prior notice or consultation, and they fear the project could threaten many businesses and livelihoods.
- Affected area
- Mahakal Square through Gudri Chauraha to Gopal Mandir
- Marking reported
- Around 1 a.m. on Sunday
- Marking described by traders
- Four metres on each side of the road
- Shutdown
- Indefinite closure of markets beginning Monday, October 12
- Traders' estimate
- Around 70% of traders' commercial establishments could be lost, according to the federation
- Planned protest
- Peaceful protests in phases
- Alternative suggested by traders
- Regulate traffic, including addressing e-rickshaws parked on the road