By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Traffic came to a standstill on Gandhiji Road in Erode on Monday (September 22, 2025) morning after vegetable traders staged a road blockade by dumping vegetables, protesting against the relocation of the weekly market.
The market has been operating for over 45 years at Kallukadaimedu, with more than 200 shops selling vegetables from morning till night. Recently, the Corporation decided to shift the market to a nearby ground, drawing strong opposition from traders.
On Monday, as traders gathered for their routine business, they noticed preparations for shifting the market to the new site. Angered by this, over 100 traders assembled near the Kalaimadu Silai on Gandhiji Road. They threw beans and tomatoes on the road and staged a sit-in protest, demanding continuation of the market at its present location.
Traffic on both sides of the road was disrupted for nearly half an hour due to the sudden blockade. Passengers and motorists faced severe hardship.
The Erode South police arrived at the spot and held talks with the agitating traders. The police assured the traders that their demands would be conveyed to senior officials. Following the assurance, the traders withdrew their protest and dispersed peacefully. Normal traffic movement resumed after the blockade ended.
This is not the first time traders have opposed the relocation. They have been consistently voicing concerns that moving the market would affect their livelihood and reduce customer footfall. Officials, however, maintain that the shift is necessary to ease congestion in the area.
