It is almost impossible to imagine an Haji Lane that is not pedestrianised. However, this may be reality, at least in the near future.

“All of us here at Haji Lane are coming together, to raise our concerns, to have a clearer voice, to petition for a road closure just like how it used to be once again. But this time, we need your voices as well, we need to bring Haji Lane back to the people, to the community, and the culture.

Please stand with us.” – Rumi, the Poet’s Cup

Suspension of Road Closures

In April 2022, a notice was published on the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s website to inform readers that “the regular road closures at Circular Road, Bali Lane, Haji Lane, Baghdad Street, Bussorah Street and Liang Seah Street have been suspended.” This suspension was part of the Government’s measure to minimise the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

These road closures have been in place at least since 2013 to “enhance vibrancy”.

In 2015, the pedestrianisation initiative was extended to neighbouring streets like Bussorah Street and Bali Lane as well. Prior to the pandemic, street parties like the one depicted below were a common sight at Haji Lane on weekend evenings.

In addition to parties, the car-free zones also allowed F&B operators to accomodate more patrons as tables could be set up along the street.

According to Mr Saeid Labbafi, the chairman of the One Kampong Gelam business association – which represents merchants in the area, including those in Haji Lane – business improved by 20% to 30% as a result of the road closures.

Efforts to re-instate Road Closures

In an Instagram post dated 9 June 2022, Rumi the Poet’s Cup, a cafe in Haji Lane published a public plea for support. The post garnered almost 4,000 likes and more than 100 comments in just 2 days. Through the post, the cafe informed readers that it will not be able to open tables along the street any longer.

The cafe lamented the revocation of the road closure and noted that vehicular traffic “does not just affect the character of Haji Lane, it could also pose a danger to the pedestrians.” It added that the “unyielding efforts” of vendors in Haji Lane have not been valued and recognised.

Call for Public Support

Rumi Cafe called on the public to support the collective and organised efforts of vendors in Haji Lane.

Many in the comments section penned their support for the cause. One user spoke about how the pedestrianisation of Haji Lane attracts tourists.

Samuel, a tourism undergraduate, hoped that the vendors’ suggestions would be considered favourably by STB. He also pledged to sign the petition, when it is made available to the public.

Allowing Emergency Vehicles through

Umiabi, who witnessed a fire engine struggling to go through Haji Lane a few days ago, asked if vendors had a “contingency plan” for emergency vehicles to access the lane easily.

In response, Rumi cafe noted that vendors were previously required to clear the road within 2 minutes. This was a requirement that was compleid with by the stakeholders. To facilitate this, shops were only allowed to use foldable tables and chairs.

Another user noted that during the incident involving the fire engine, the street was cleared within 3 minutes or less. He opined that the billboards caused some trouble for the fire engine as it was leaving.

Rumi Cafe confirmed exclytricksx’s account of events. They hoped for a chance to restore Haji Lane to its former glory.

Petitioning the Government

Rumi Cafe asked supporters to stay tuned for the petition, and the “movement”.

We understand that the petition will be published on Tuesday, 14 June 2022.

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