On orders from Bengaluru police the mall was closed on 31 December and was allowed to open after a special hearing from the High Court on Sunday
Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have ordered Phoenix Mall of Asia to remain closed for 15 days from 31 December 2023 till 15 January 2024 following complaints about traffic congestion on the busy road leading to the Kempegowda Airport, according to various media reports.
The mall is located on the Ballari Highway, which connects to the International Airport. According to authorities, the abrupt closure of Phoenix Mall of Asia is due to insufficient parking facilities at the mall which is around 3,100 vehicles at a time.
The police invoked sections 144(1) and 144(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, restricting public access to the mall, as stated by The Hindu.
This decision was taken by the city traffic police on the day before new year’s eve and the mall voluntarily closed it for a day, as per a source from the mall.
Before publishing the story, the mall representatives did not respond. Based on the story the mall officials reached out to IndiaRetailing informing that the mall is open to public on 1 January. There will be a hearing on 2 January which will bring clarity on the further course of action.
Real estate company Phoenix Mills Ltd. opened Phoenix Mall of Asia, its second shopping centre in the city on 26 October 2023. The destination mall is located at Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka, North Bengaluru which is spread across about 13 acres and encompassing over 12,40,000 (about 1.2 million) sq. ft. of gross retail leasable area and is home to some of the prominent brands including Ferragamo, Boss, Emporio Armani, Versace, Tods, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Diesel, Ralph Lauren, Starbucks, Fyole and Tim Hortons,
The mall has been drawing large crowds around Christmas as it has set up a 100 ft. tall Christmas tree, which happens to be the tallest in the city.
Additionally, Phoenix Mall of Asia and Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield, has also faced criticism from Kannada activists for reportedly violating rules regarding the use of Kannada in signboards, resulting in a law and order issue on 27 December, as per various reports.
