Most shops and business establishments remained closed in Mettupalayam and surrounding areas on Tuesday in protest against the inordinate delay in construction of the railway overbridge at Karamadai.

The Rs. 35.77 crore work, that began in 2015, was to be completed in 15 months. However, problems in acquiring land and several other issues caused the delay.

To facilitate construction, traffic was diverted, following which many shops closed down and moved out. The district unit of BJP called for a bandh in Mettupalayam, Karamadai and Sirumugai areas condemning the delay in the work.

Most of the shops and business houses downed shutters, while a few tea shops, vegetable and flower vendors continued with their routine. Members belonging to BJP also staged a demonstration, condemning the State government and district administration for delaying the construction work.