New Delhi: The capital’s bustling markets presented a subdued picture Sunday, with many shopkeepers still keeping the shutters down in Connaught Place and customer footfall remaining thin across several shopping hubs despite the reopening of metro stations.
With the protest at Jantar Mantar continuing to keep shoppers away, traders reiterated their demand for the site to be shifted, saying that prolonged disruption could compound losses during the “crucial festive season”. Atul Bhargava, president of New Delhi Traders Association, said traffic restrictions had made it difficult for vehicles to enter Connaught Place, adding to traders’ concerns. Khan Market in central Delhi and Sadar Bazaar in Old Delhi also saw low to average footfall, as customers, particularly those from NCR, largely stayed away. With business already hit, they fear that every passing day of disruption will deepen their losses.
For traders, the immediate concern is to restore normalcy before the festive rush slips away. On Saturday night, New Delhi Traders Association, Connaught Place, had issued a circular urging shopkeepers to remain vigilant and exercise caution if they chose to open their units.
Over the last five days, our business dropped to 10% of the usual level, and we will suffer heavy losses during the festive season if the situation persists,” Bhargava added. Because of frequent unrest in the area, “Traders near Janpath entry point and Regal crossing decided to keep their shops closed. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
To avoid damage to their shops during altercations between protesters and cops, this was the only option,” he said. Sanjeev Mehra, president of Khan Market Traders’ Association, said the market was fully open Sunday, but customer turnout remained low. With so many barricades near the entry from Dayal Singh College, traffic congestion on the roads was inevitable,” he said. Rakesh Yadav of the Federation of Sadar Bazar said buyers feared getting caught in the protest.
“During the protest in July, some people even entered the stores, and we do not want a repeat. With more unrest expected in the coming days, we only request govt to shift the protest site. At Khan Market, too, open shops did not bring brisk business. “There was little footfall as entry routes to the market were closed from several sides. The impact was also evident in Sadar Bazaar, where local customers continued to visit but bulk buyers from NCR and neighbouring states stayed away. “We have already purchased the stocks and cannot sustain this situation for long. We request govt to take concrete measures,” he added. Sarojini Nagar Market, in comparison, saw a decent turnout Sunday. However, traders there, too, called for a resolution, underscoring the wider concern across the capital’s markets: the longer the disruption continues, the greater the risk to festive-season business. Download the TOI App.