Modi expresses regret over Chandigarh shutdown; orders probe

Authorities in Chandigarh had ordered the closure of all 187 schools, blocked roads to ensure smooth movement for the PM's cavalcade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to people after his four-hour visit to Chandigarh led to the closure of schools and Chandigarh's main cremation ground, besides causing traffic snarls that paralysed the city.

"An inquiry will be held and responsibility will be fixed for the inconvenience caused to the people of Chandigarh," Modi tweeted.

"The inconvenience caused to citizens in Chandigarh, especially shutting of schools due to my visit is regretted. It was totally avoidable," added Modi.

Authorities in Chandigarh had ordered the closure of all 187 schools on Friday, blocked roads to ensure smooth movement for the prime minister's cavalcade and even ordered that ambulances would have to take longer detours to reach hospitals.

The main cremation ground of the city in Sector 25, which is located next to the rally ground where Modi addressed his official rally on Friday afternoon, too was out of bounds for people.

Those who had to cremate their loved ones were forced to do in cremation grounds in nearby Mohali and Mani Majra.