Major markets near blast site lose bustle, footfall affected

A day after the Red Fort blast that killed at least 10 and left atleast 20 injured, major markets in the area such as Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar, and Sadar Bazaar, lost their bustle. While most shops opened at usual timings on Tuesday, the footfall remained significantly low.

- Gargi Shukla

Shop owners said they were trying to instil confidence among the buyers but the anxiousness in the aftermath looms in the markets and is likely to take a toll on the businesses despite it being the wedding season.

On a usual day, the road in front of the Red Fort would be occupied with street vendors, hawkers and retail buyers along with vehicles crowding the area. Nearly a kilometre from the explosion site, the mini markets in Chandni Chowk like Maliwara market, Dariba Kalan and Kinari market wore full display of products but sellers lacked their usual glee,