Pune: Normalcy returns to ever-bustling FC Road

Pune: Waiting for your turn at the table in the hotel, glancing at the dresses and other items displayed by the vendors and walking past the shopping lanes, Punekars - especially girls and women have returned to their 'normal routine, as the footpaths on Fergusson College road can be seen crowded by them.

The FC road wore a deserted look for more than two months since the lockdown was imposed in the month of March. But now with relaxations given from the lockdown, restaurants have started take-away or parcel services and some shops have reopened. As a result, customers have started visiting these establishments once again.

Fergusson Road starts at the Gopal Krishna Gokhale chowk where the Cafe Goodluck is situated. It is a popular cafe and a meetup place for many old and young Puneites. Hotel Vaishali, Roopali and Wadeshwar are also popular on this stretch. While restarting the parcel services, the management of these hotels are ensuring that social distancing norms are followed by their staff as well as customers.

Hongkong lane is another favourite street shopping place for girls and women. Known for its narrow lanes, this place is also maintaining hygienic practices and social distancing.

The Ranade Institute campus and Fergusson College campus is not open yet and hence the usual crowd of students and their parents seeking admission there is also missing.

Parking on both sides of the road is, however, 'full' as usual. People can be seen walking on footpath maintaining physical social distance. Punekars with their strong will to fight the coronavirus outbreak have returned back to the streets with a confident look. The usually crowded look of the FC road is back.

Javed Akhtar, a shop owner said, "I was quite bored at home. Now there is some hope since the shop has reopened. Although the number of customers visiting the shop is less I am still happy.” Laxmi Bhalerao, a customer said, "I have stepped out for shopping after almost two months. We can win this fight against coronavirus if we take proper precautions."