Thaindian News

Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) A day after the nationwide shutdown called by opposition parties to protest against the fuel price hike, life returned to normal in Mumbai Tuesday.
With most offices remaining shut Monday, office goers felt Tuesday was the first day of the week. “With not being able to go to work yesterday, today seems like Monday. Although the work will be double today,” said Khantil Shah, a communications professional.

BEST buses and the trains on western and central lines were seen plying as usual.

“Everything is back on schedule and there have been no problems yet. It is like any other day,” said a railway official.

A BEST official said: “Our buses are running as usual.”

Autorickshaws and taxis were seen commuting passengers to their destinations. “I drive my autorickshaw only during the day time. I had to stay at home the entire day Monday due to the strike and lost a lot of business,” said G. Kadam, an autorickshaw driver from suburban Kandivli.

“I am glad to be working again today,” he added.

Unlike Monday when even the main roads and the western express highway saw minimal traffic, roads Tuesday were swarming with vehicles.

Taxis and trucks stayed off the street while buses and trains ran near empty in India’s financial capital Monday. At least 86 domestic flights - 46 outgoing and 40 incoming - were cancelled to and from Mumbai.

Many offices reported thin attendance and trading volumes plunged on the Dalal Street.

According to an estimate by a well known non-governmental organisation, Agni, Mumbai’s lost its daily contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) of about Rs.300 crore, of which Rs.200 crore comes from the organised sector and the rest Rs.100 crore from the unorganised sector.