Bengaluru: Life was limping back to normalcy in most parts of Karnataka with easing of COVID-19 induced restrictions on Monday as the State headed into the third phase of lockdown started since March 24.
According to the guidelines issued by the Centre, industrial activities, construction works, essential, non-essential shops, delivery of essential goods through e-commerce, courier and postal services, Banking and agriculture activities, four-wheelers, two-wheelers, plying of buses, along with the inter-state movement of goods vehicles, were allowed in the green and yellow zone districts. This apart, sale of liquor was also allowed at the designated shops.
Police said the vehicular movement is allowed only from 7 am to 7 pm for ordinary citizens. Clarifying about the movement of people, Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao tweeted, "From tomorrow (Monday) you don't need a pass to move in Bengaluru between 7 am and 7 pm. After 7 pm and up to 7 am the following morning, even if you have a pass you are not allowed to move except medical and essential service. Checkpoints will remain and your ID may be asked. Please be responsible." After the restrictions were lifted, heavy vehicular movement was witnessed in parts of Bengaluru leading to traffic jam in some areas. Chikpet, which is the main trade area in Bengaluru, saw some activities.
With restrictions on public transport continuing, this unusually crowded place had very less footfall. "Movement of the public is limited due to the ban on public transport such as city buses and Metro Rail.