Delhi markets slowly returning to normalcy after Red Fort blast

Bazaars reopen under watchful eyes as national capital balances fear, caution, and hope for revival this wedding season

At Chandni Chowk, close to the site of Monday’s blast, business is slow to pick up. “There is definitely heightened security, but nervousness hangs in the air. People are coming back slowly, with trepidation, and are quick to leave. We hope things get back to normal soon,” said a local market association leader. 

Across other markets in Delhi, however, business is gradually returning to normal after the blast in a moving car near Red Fort on Monday evening killed 12 people and critically injured several others. 

In the heart of the national capital, at Connaught Place, business was down by about 20 per cent after the blast, said Atul Bhargava, president of the New Delhi Traders Association, which covers the 14 blocks of the Inner and Outer Circles, as well as the Regal Building, Rivoli Building, Scindia House, and Old Janpath Market. 

“The customers are scared and taking precautions, so we’re seeing a slump of 25–30 per cent in business. Things will only start going back to normal towards the end of the week,” he said, adding that security arrangements need to be tightened further to avoid any catastrophe. 

At Lajpat Nagar, parking near the Central Market square has been suspended, said Sanjiv Madan, president of the Traders Association Lajpat Nagar. “The police have been out and active. Parking near the central square has been disallowed, and we have seen some impact of Monday’s incident as people are slow to return to the markets. The high air quality index levels were already a hindrance, and now customers are exercising more caution before stepping out,” Madan added. At the crowded Sadar Bazaar, too, footfall and sales have been heavily hit.

 

“The market has always been crowded, and the incident on Monday evening has taken a toll on customers. They will return in a few days, once things start going back to normal, but for now, the air is tense and footfall remains low,” said Rakesh Kumar Yadav, president of the Federation of Sadar Bazaar Traders Association. 

Yadav also pointed to the high number of encroachments in the market, adding that there are no visible security arrangements in place. 

With the wedding season underway, traders and retailers expect business to bounce back soon, though they continue to call for tighter security measures across all local markets.