However, it clarified, the diversion would be effective between 9.30 a.m. and noon and again between 5 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., which are regarded as peak traffic hours for the stretches.

Assistant Commissioner of Police A R Munshi told Express Newsline that the trial diversion had been introduced for 10 days between August 11 and August 20 and a notification issued seeking objections and suggestions from the members of public in this connection.

However, the traffic police received only three objections in the intervening period with regard to diversion of traffic. While one of the objections came from Topex Tailors of Raopura, another was submitted by an employee of the Narmada Bhawan; a third came from State Transport. The last two objections were more suggestions than objections to the move, Munshi told Express Newsline.

The traffic police then studied the various pros and cons of the diversion before issuing the final notification on December 4, Munshi said, adding that Monday's traffic jams in Salatwada and Raopura had nothing to do with the diversion.

Meanwhile, traders and residents of the Kalyan Hotel area alleged that the traffic police personnel, instead of manning the road at the entry point of one-way lane leading to the hotel, stood 300 to 400 metres inside the lane and then swooped down on violators and fined them.