Change in MG Marg closure days for convenience of tourists

GANGTOK, 23 May: Gangtokians might have noticed the change in closure days of shops along the MG Marg of late. Earlier, the entire stretch from Old Market [from Tourism Office till Hari Stores] and the New Market [from Hari Stores to Star Cinema Hall] used to be closed on Tuesdays. However, now the New Market remains closed on Tuesdays, while the Old Market will remain shut on Sundays.
The change was put into effect by the Labour Department in response to a request from the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking to NOW!, Secretary, Labour Deptt, CT Wangdi explained that the Chamber had approached the department with regard to keeping at least one portion of the MG Marg open throughout the week so that tourists visiting the state did not have spend a day in the main town with the entire area closed.
Earlier, the entire stretch of MG Marg remain closed on Tuesdays causing inconvenience to visitors looking to make purchases on the day. “Instead of keeping the whole of MG Marg closed on Tuesdays, we have made changes in the closure days, so from now onwards only one side of MG Marg will be closed which will thereby be beneficial for the tourists as well as locals”, informed the Secretary.
Medicine shops, restaurants and fast food joints will remain open throughout the week, he added.
Since the shops situated along the National Highway remain closed on Sundays and most of the shops of the Old Market sell construction materials so they had asked that they also be allowed to remain closed on Sundays, Mr Wangdi mentioned.