Chandni Chowk Market Loses Rs 300‑400 Crore Every Day After Delhi Blast, Says MP

The centuries-old Chandni Chowk market, one of India's busiest commercial hubs, has fallen unusually silent after Monday's car explosion near the area that killed nine and injured over twenty people.

Normally brimming with around four lakh daily visitors, the wholesale market known for its festive rush now stands nearly deserted in what traders are calling an unprecedented slump.

Business Comes to a Standstill

Chandni Chowk usually records a daily turnover of Rs 450 to Rs 500 crore, but traders say the Delhi blast has brought business down by nearly Rs 300-400 crore per day. BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, told a media portal that the tragedy struck right in the middle of the peak wedding shopping season.

"But as soon as normalcy returns and traffic resumes, customers will return. The spirits of our Chandni Chowk traders are high. The entire Chandni Chowk market is open, except for two markets, which have been closed by the administration due to inspections," Khandelwal said.

Traffic Curbs Keep Customers Away

The MP added that the steep drop in footfall was due to strict police restrictions around the area, especially near the Red Fort side. "No means of transportation are open. The metro station is closed, buses are not running, and private vehicles cannot enter. Because of this, such customers are not coming to the market," he said.

With movement restricted and entry points sealed for safety inspections, traders say even regular retail customers have chosen to stay away for now.

Traders Stay Hopeful Despite Setback

Despite the grim atmosphere, Khandelwal said wholesale operations have managed to stay afloat through phone and online transactions. "People who buy wholesale and have been doing so for years don't need to come to the market," he explained.

Optimism, however, runs high among shopkeepers. "It's wedding season, and many people have placed their orders. Consumers will definitely return to the market. This is only a temporary impact," Khandelwal assured.

A Market Waiting to Rebound

For Chandni Chowk's traders, the focus now is on restoring normalcy and regaining customer confidence. The market, with its centuries-old legacy of commerce and culture, has weathered many challenges before, and locals hope this too will soon pass.