Offices wind up early, situation grim on Greams Road

It was a regular day for the employees working in the Express Avenue Chambers but only till mid-day. “At around 3.30 pm, we got a mail from the admin asking us to leave the premises and by around 4.30 all of us were out, on the way home,” said S Muruguan, a financial expert. Deepak S, an employee of a company in Nungambakkam, said, “We are working on a project for an international client and we have to deliver it soon. The company was worried that the staff would have trouble going back home or even if they do, they won’t be able to report tomorrow. They arranged for accommodation for around 20 of us at a three-star hotel close-by.” 

Many business establishments including the restaurants on Greams Road, where the Apollo Hospitals is located, were asked to remain shut, as hundreds of supporters had gathered on either side of the road. While schools around the city functioned as usual, Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School and Asan Memorial Matriculation Higher Secondary School were closed. “We sent an SMS to all our students and staff on Sunday night and informed them that the school wouldn’t function on Monday,” said a school staff, adding that they were expecting commotion in the locality in case of an untoward incident, if any. 

Many lanes that lead to the hospital, including Rutland Gate and Khader Nawaz Khan Road were blocked. The business hub remained calm for most of the day and shutters at many places were down by early evening after the rumours of her demise spread. Tourists in the city felt stranded and were asked to stay in the hotel rooms. “We had plans to go around the city on Monday, but the hotel  staff suggested that we stay indoors.  I have to fly to Kochi on Tuesday  and I am worried about the situation,” says Gabriala, a  Brazilian tourist.