Modi expresses regret over Chandigarh shutdown, orders probe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to people as 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 fixed for the inconvenience caused to the people of Chandigarh," Modi tweeted.

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

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

The main cremation ground in sector 25, located next to the ground where Modi addressed an official rally on Friday afternoon, too was out of bounds for people. Those who had to cremate their loved ones were forced to do so at cremation grounds in nearby Mohali and Mani Majra.

The Congress on Thursday hit out at Modi over the Chandigarh administration's move to declare a holiday in schools on Friday.

Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken said closing schools due to the prime minister's visit affected children's education schedule.

Modi inaugurated the international terminal of Chandigarh airport and then attended the convocation of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. He also addressed a public rally in Chandigarh.