Central Delhi’s bustling wholesale and retail markets have fallen unusually quiet following Monday’s explosion near the Red Fort, which killed 13 people and injured several others. Many outstation buyers, wary of security concerns, are now opting for online shopping instead of travelling to the capital. Trading activity has been severely hit in key commercial hubs such as Sadar Bazaar and Chandni Chowk — markets that typically witness strong business during the festive and wedding season.
“Usually, this is our peak period as traders from other states come to buy items for weddings and winter. But now, most of them are opting for online purchases,” said Paramjeet Singh Pamma, president of the Sadar Bazaar Association, as quoted by PTI. He added that footfall has dropped by nearly 50 per cent since the blast. “The local police and the Sadar Bazaar Association are jointly verifying workers employed in the market to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said. Sanjai Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association, said business activity has slowed down considerably. “The area has almost come to a standstill. Only a handful of customers are visiting the market,” he said. Bhargaw noted that both traders and customers remain anxious. “It will take at least a month for things to return to normal. Many customers are hesitant to visit, and some shopkeepers near the blast site are still too scared to open their stores,” he added. In contrast, Sarojini Nagar market continues to function normally, drawing consistent crowds. “We saw a good number of customers yesterday evening as well. There was some quietness on Tuesday, but by Wednesday, the crowd had returned to normal,” said Kuldeep Singh, president of the Sarojini Nagar Market Association. However, the nearby Lajpat Rai Market — known for its electronic goods — remains largely shut. Its usually packed lanes are now deserted. “Our shop has been closed for the past two days. We only come to check and then leave,” said Subhash Rai, a shopkeeper. “This incident has not only affected our livelihood but also created a constant fear that anything can happen anytime.”
