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Why Is Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall Of Asia Closed Till Jan 15? What All Led To The Closure?

Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bengaluru shut its doors to the public till January 15 after orders from Bengaluru Police. Here's why.

by Sanjana Shenoy
Why Is Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall Of Asia Closed Till Jan 15? What All Led To The Closure?

Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bengaluru is one of the most popular malls in the city. From India’s tallest Christmas tree spanning 100 feet in height to state-of-the-art interiors, it’s garnered a lot of attention on social media. However, Bengaluru Police shut down the mall from December 31 to January 15. Read on to know what led to its temporary closure.

From Traffic Jams To Protests; Here’s Why Phoenix Mall Of Asia Shut Its Doors Till Jan 15

During the long Christmas weekend, Phoenix Mall of Asia faced flak on Reddit after mall-goers complained about the ₹200 entry fee for visitors, ₹150 parking charges for four-wheelers and the traffic commotion on the road due to the holiday rush. The problems for the swanky mall reached a peak when Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda issued orders to shut down the newly opened mall till January 15.

Meanwhile, here’s what you need to know about the current happenings at Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bengaluru

  • Bengaluru Police has invoked Section 144(1) and Section 144(2) of the Criminal Code Procedure (CrPC) from 10 AM on December 31 to 11:59 PM on January 15.
  • As per Bengaluru City Commissioner B Dayananda’s order, this move aims to prevent any disturbance to public tranquillity and prevent annoyance. Also, it aims to provide a safe environment for the public and prevent traffic.
  • City Commissioner B Dayananda stated to Hindustan Times that Phoenix Mall of Asia is an epicentre for traffic issues.
  • The lack of proper parking facilities at the mall has led to traffic jams in the Hebbal area.
  • The mall’s exhaust sound speakers are creating high levels of noise pollution leaving residents unable to sleep at night and disturbing students who are studying.
  • On December 27, the mall was forced to shut down after pro-Kannada activists created a ruckus demanding Kannada signboards. The police shut down the mall to ensure public safety.

Also Read: X User Asks AI To Generate Worse Bengaluru Traffic Images; Netizens Say Ye Toh Reality Hai

Bengaluru Police Direct Mall To Increase Parking Space

As per a report by Hindustan Times, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda threw more light on the matter. After personally visiting the mall he stated that a 12-floor building has only 2 basements to accommodate 2324 cars and two-wheelers. The lack of parking space at Phoenix Mall of Asia has led to vehicles waiting in long queues at the entrance of the mall. Unable to enter inside, these vehicles have led to traffic congestion on the service road alongside the main road. So, vehicular traffic gets halted for a long time on both sides of the highway’s main roads. So, the Bengaluru Police has ordered Phoenix Mall of Asia to provide parking to at least 10,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers to combat these issues.

Also Read: Girl Dances In The Middle Of The Road During Traffic Halt In Viral Video; Netizens React

Reportedly, one of the largest malls in the country, ever since its opening in October has drawn flak on social media for causing multiple traffic jams. Bengalureans have questioned the police and civic bodies for permitting it to operate. With these new orders, one needs to wait and watch if the traffic situation will change for the better post its reopening on January 15.

Cover Image Courtesy: @MOA_Bangalore/ X

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