India, March 10 -- Citizens and business communities in popular hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani observed a complete shutdown on Sunday to protest the slow progress and poor condition of the Surur-Poladpur highway, where construction has been dragging on for nearly two years.

Markets remained shut and tourism activities came to a halt across the hill stations as traders, hotel owners, taxi unions, social organisations and residents joined the protest. As the agitation spreads, residents of Wai have also called for a citywide bandh on Tuesday (March 10), with towns and villages along the highway planning phased shutdowns in the coming weeks.

The protest is likely to affect tourists travelling between the popular destinations as ...