No UPI, no cabs: Hit by CJP protests, CP traders say recovery still a month away
After 49 days of protests at Jantar Mantar and the violence that followed on July 20, normalcy is returning to Connaught Place (CP), one of
After 49 days of protests at Jantar Mantar and the violence that followed on July 20, normalcy is returning to Connaught Place (CP), one of the biggest commercial hubs of New Delhi. Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on Saturday, and the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP's) withdrawal of the protests have brought relief for both shoppers and traders in Connaught Place, located only 650 meters north-west of Jantar Mantar. Read Full Story As the protests intensified for over a month, business establishments took a big hit. Connaught Place or CP, the British-era complex, is lined with offices, shops, restaurants and other establishments and is one of the busiest business districts of the capital, bringing in hundreds of thousands of people, from workers to tourists every day. According to some estimates, the area features 1,400 retail shops and over 1,000 corporate and commercial offices. The area was also caught in the crosshairs after thousands of protesters descended upon Jantar Mantar and the nearby areas of Lutyens' Delhi after the violent crackdown on July 20 which also saw the use of pellet guns by security personnel. India Today Digital documented how restrictions imposed by authorities, including the suspension of mobile internet services, the mandatory closure of offices after 6.30 pm, and the shutdown of several Metro stations left thousands of commuters trapped in a traffic nightmare. The same measures also dealt a severe blow to businesses and traders across CP, who depend on a steady flow of office workers and tourists. With customers disappearing, internet services cut off, and disruption to business operations during peak trading hours, many found themselves dealing with significant losses.
Now, with the agitation over, traders are hoping for a slow but steady recovery. Business fell to just 25% of normal, and they say it could take another 30 days to recover. When India Today Digital visited Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar on Friday afternoon, the area was packed with demonstrators of every political stripe, while heavy police and some RAF deployment kept a close watch. But even as protesters were energetic and enthusiastic, traders spoke about their empty shops, dwindling footfall and mounting losses. Jantar Mantar remained packed with protesters on Friday. (Image: Shounak Sanyal/ITGD) JANTAR MANTAR PROTESTS, INTERNET RESTRICTIONS LED TO LOSSES The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), which represents businesses in Connaught Place, told news agency PTI that traders have generated only about 25% of their usual business over the past week, because of restrictions on internet connectivity, public transport and business operating hours. Similar concerns were echoed by traders who spoke to India Today Digital on Friday. "We have incurred significant losses because of everything happening nearby," said Parvesh Bardi, proprietor of Malik Sweet House, a confectionery shop in Connaught Place. "Our customers are mostly office-goers, tourists and shoppers. Almost all of them have stopped coming since the protests took over Jantar Mantar," Bardi told India Today Digital. He added that the suspension of mobile internet services had further hurt business by disrupting digital payments. "Hardly anyone carries cash anymore. Almost everyone pays through UPI. With the mobile network cut off, even the few customers who do come are unable to make payments easily. That has also affected our business," Bardi said. LOST 90% OF CUSTOMERS DURING PROTESTS, HAD TO THROW AWAY FOOD: RESTAURANT MANAGER Kumesh, who was managing Madras Coffee House on Friday, said the combination of the protests and the mandatory 6.30 pm closure had dealt a heavy blow to the restaurant's business.
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