Delhi Blast Impact: Chandni Chowk Market Faces Rs 300-400 Crore Revenue Loss During Wedding Season

Chandni Chowk, India's largest wholesale market that typically welcomes around 400,000 visitors daily, is experiencing an unusual phenomenon - empty walkways and quiet shops.

This historic marketplace in Delhi, with over three centuries of trading history, normally generates business worth approximately Rs 450-500 crore each day.

Following Monday's Hyundai i20 explosion near the area that claimed nine lives and injured at least 20 people, panic spread throughout the market. Eyewitnesses reported seeing body parts land near a temple gate in the vicinity.

Since this tragic incident, visitor numbers have plummeted dramatically during what should be the peak wedding shopping season. Praveen Khandelwal, BJP MP representing Chandni Chowk, informed NDTV on Wednesday that trade in the area has suffered a temporary loss of Rs 300-400 crore.

"We expect customers to return once normalcy resumes and traffic flow is restored. Chandni Chowk traders remain optimistic. The entire market remains operational, with only two sections closed by authorities for investigative purposes," Khandelwal stated.

The MP explained that retail customer visits have significantly declined because police have restricted entry to Chandni Chowk from the Red Fort direction.

"All transportation options are currently unavailable. The metro station is closed, bus services are suspended, and private vehicles cannot enter the area. These restrictions are keeping retail customers away," he added.

Khandelwal clarified that wholesale buyers with established business relationships can continue transactions via telephone or online platforms without physical visits to the market.

"With wedding season underway, many orders have already been placed. Consumers will definitely return to the market. This impact is only temporary," he concluded.