Delhi's 20 Historic Markets Face Rs 12,000 Crore Business Crisis Ahead of Diwali

New Delhi: As Delhi’s markets gear up for the festive buzz of Diwali, the shadow of a major political rally has begun to loom over them. While the city is in the midst of a peak period for festive shopping, traders are growing increasingly concerned about a massive rally—expected to draw 1 million (10 lakh) people—planned by the Congress party at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), an organization representing traders and entrepreneurs in Delhi, has written to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, requesting that the rally be rescheduled to November 10–11, after Diwali.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that traders are not opposed to the rally itself; however, they are worried that it could jeopardize their livelihoods during the most critical business days of the festive season. With Dhanteras falling on November 6 and Diwali on November 8, the date of November 1 is vital for the markets. The organization estimates that if 1 million people and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles descend upon the area, the daily business turnover—amounting to ₹10,000–12,000 crore—across 20 major markets in Central Delhi could be severely impacted.

Thousands of vehicles to spill onto the streets due to lack of parking

In its letter, the CTI has raised a major concern regarding parking arrangements. According to the organization, Ramlila Maidan lacks sufficient parking space—not even enough for 200 large buses. Consequently, thousands of buses, cars, and tempos might end up being parked along JLN Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, and in the vicinity of Ajmeri Gate and Chandni Chowk. This is expected to lead to massive traffic congestion across Old Delhi and Central Delhi. Fears of a Slowdown in 20 Historic Markets

Within a five-kilometer radius of Ramlila Maidan lie several major commercial hubs, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Naya Bazar, Lajpat Rai Market, Chawri Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Karol Bagh, Gaffar Market, Paharganj, and Daryaganj. According to the CTI (Chamber of Trade and Industry), thousands of trucks and tempos deliver goods to these markets daily, from where they are then dispatched across the country. Any disruption to traffic could severely impact both the supply of goods and festive shopping.

Impact Could Begin as Early as October 31

The organization states that the effects of preparations for the rally and the movement of vehicles will likely become apparent as early as October 31. There is an expectation of increased vehicular influx at the Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur, and Badarpur borders, along with the installation of barricades on major roads. CTI cited the protest held at Jantar Mantar on October 10, noting that traffic in Central Delhi remained disrupted for several hours on that occasion as well.

CTI’s Two Demands; All Eyes Now on Sonia Gandhi

According to Brijesh Goyal, the organization has presented two options to Sonia Gandhi. First, that the mega-rally be rescheduled for after Diwali. Second, if changing the date is not feasible, the rally should be moved from Ramlila Maidan to Burari Maidan—a venue that reportedly offers more space for vehicle parking. Brijesh Goyal emphasized that these markets are not merely commercial centers; they are the heartbeat of Delhi. He added that they had previously appealed to Rahul Gandhi through three separate letters, but to no avail. Now, their final hope rests with Sonia Gandhi. The traders simply wish for their Diwali business operations to proceed without any hindrances.