New Delhi, October 18, 2026: Delhi’s trade associations have warned that business losses could exceed ₹10,000 crore by Diwali if protest-related disruptions and security restrictions continue around Ramlila Maidan and central Delhi. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) estimates that businesses have already suffered losses of nearly ₹3,000 crore this month.
The warning comes as Delhi Police has granted permission for a Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, raising concerns among traders about the potential impact on festive-season sales, deliveries and customer movement.
Traders Estimate October Losses at ₹3,000 Crore
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said demonstrations on October 10 resulted in estimated business losses of around ₹2,000 crore. Another ₹1,000 crore was reportedly lost between October 13 and 16 because of roadblocks, Metro disruptions and restricted access to commercial areas.
These figures are estimates provided by trade bodies and have not been independently audited.
Losses Could Cross ₹10,000 Crore by Diwali
Trade associations fear the financial impact could increase significantly if disruptions continue through the festive season. CTI has warned that cumulative losses could cross ₹10,000 crore by Diwali on November 8.
The period is particularly important for Delhi’s retail and wholesale markets, which typically experience increased demand ahead of the festival.
Ramlila Maidan’s Location Raises Concerns
Traders say their objection is primarily to the location of the demonstrations rather than to the right to protest.
Ramlila Maidan is close to major commercial hubs, including Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli and Chawri Bazar. Traders argue that road closures and traffic diversions in these areas could disrupt deliveries, discourage customers and affect festive-season business.
Congress Rally Scheduled for November 1
Delhi Police has reportedly issued a no-objection certificate for a Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
The rally is linked to the opposition’s campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and its concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Traders Ask Authorities to Relocate the Rally
The Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh has written to the Lieutenant Governor, the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi Commissioner, requesting that the proposed gathering be cancelled or moved to another venue.
The trade body argues that central Delhi’s commercial districts should not face major access restrictions during the peak festive trading period.
Wholesale and Retail Businesses Report Disruptions
According to the traders’ associations, recent demonstrations and related restrictions have affected around 30% of wholesale trade.
Businesses fear further disruptions could delay shipments, lead to cancelled orders and reduce customer footfall during the weeks leading up to Diwali.
CTI’s estimates attribute approximately ₹1,800 crore in reported losses to retail businesses and around ₹600 crore to wholesale trade. The remaining estimated losses relate to other business activity and associated disruptions.
More Than 700 Markets Reportedly Affected
CTI claims that more than 700 markets have been affected by protest-related restrictions and reduced customer movement. These include Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar and Connaught Place.
Traders in Connaught Place have separately reported lower footfall, saying barricading, traffic diversions and heavy police deployment have made access more difficult during the festive season.
Khan Market Traders Cite Daily Losses
Businesses in Khan Market have also reported a decline in sales during protest-related restrictions. Some traders have estimated losses of ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore per day.
These figures are industry estimates and have not been independently verified.
Concerns Over Emergency Access
Trade groups have also raised concerns that heavy traffic diversions around Ramlila Maidan could affect access to Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital and New Delhi Railway Station.
They have urged authorities to ensure that ambulances, patients and railway passengers can move without unnecessary delays during rallies and other large gatherings.
Delhi Police Designates Alternative Protest Venues
Delhi Police recently designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as official demonstration venues while removing Jantar Mantar from the list.
The move was intended to reduce disruption in sensitive central-government areas. However, the designation of Ramlila Maidan has prompted fresh concerns among businesses operating nearby.
Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Trader Hardship
The Supreme Court has also expressed concern about the economic impact of demonstrations on traders and daily-wage workers.
According to reports, the court indicated that it could consider compensation in cases where protest-related restrictions cause disproportionate hardship to people trying to earn their livelihoods.
Protest Leaders Dispute Traders’ Claims
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has disputed the argument that peaceful demonstrations are responsible for the reported business losses. He has argued that government-imposed barricades, restrictions and closures, rather than the protests themselves, are the main causes of disruption.
The differing positions highlight the dispute over how to protect the right to peaceful assembly while minimising the economic impact of security arrangements and traffic restrictions.
Balancing Protest Rights and Commercial Activity
Trade bodies are calling on authorities to safeguard both democratic protest rights and the ability of businesses to operate during the festive season.
With Diwali approaching and the Congress rally scheduled for November 1, the debate over the use of Ramlila Maidan is expected to remain a significant issue for Delhi’s traders, police and political groups.
Source: NDTV, The Indian Express, The Times of India, Hindustan Times
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