India, June 19 -- The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to make alternative traffic arrangements to minimise inconvenience to commuters during the closure of Red Road for preparations for the International Day of Yoga programme, which will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21.

Hearing a petition filed by the All India Lawyers' Union (AILU), Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya also directed the police authorities to take immediate steps to reopen Red Road for public use once the event concludes.

The petitioner challenged the prolonged closure of the iconic thoroughfare since June 14, contending that it was causing inconvenience to the lawyers belonging to the petitioner organisation travelling to ...