Delhi’s Chamber of Trade and Industry has urged the Congress to postpone its proposed 1 November rally at Ramlila Maidan, warning that traffic restrictions and diverted vehicle movement could disrupt festive-season business across central Delhi markets. The organisation has estimated that the event could put up to ₹10,000 crore in trade at risk, though the figure is its assessment and has not been independently verified in the supplied report.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal wrote to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi seeking a change in the rally date. A copy of the letter was also sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, with a request that the issue be discussed with alliance partners. The organisation has asked that the event be moved until after Diwali or shifted from Ramlila Maidan to a larger open venue if postponement is not possible.
According to CTI, traders are concerned that barricading, road closures and restrictions around the venue could limit access to markets during one of the busiest periods of the year for wholesale and retail businesses. The organisation said the proposed rally is expected by Congress leaders to draw around 10 lakh people from across the country. Based on that estimate, CTI has projected that 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles could enter Delhi and travel towards Ramlila Maidan.
Goyal said such movement could create heavy congestion within a 10-kilometre radius of the venue. The organisation said the disruption could affect traders, customers and the movement of goods, including wholesale deliveries headed to markets and transport links serving other parts of the country.
CTI identified 21 markets and commercial areas that it believes could be affected. These include Chandni Chowk, Bhagirath Palace, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmere Gate, Nabi Karim, Karol Bagh, Ajmeri Gate, Daryaganj, Nai Sarak, Kinari Bazar, Dariba Kalan, Fatehpuri, Lahori Gate, Filmistan, Paharganj, Gaffar Market, Jama Masjid, the Red Fort–Lajpat Rai Market area and Naya Bazar.
These markets handle a wide range of goods, including electrical equipment, spices, dry fruits, auto parts, hardware, jewellery, books, furniture, machinery and grain. CTI said restrictions on vehicle movement could affect both customer access and the loading, unloading and onward transport of goods. The report does not provide an official traffic plan or confirmation from Delhi authorities on the extent of any proposed road closures.
The traders’ organisation cited an earlier event at Jantar Mantar on 10 October as a warning. Goyal said that event drew about 3,000 to 4,000 people but still led to extensive traffic restrictions in central Delhi. CTI claimed that traders incurred losses of ₹3,000 crore as a result, a figure attributed to the organisation and not independently established in the supplied report.
CTI has suggested Burari Ground or Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as alternative venues if the Congress cannot change the date. The proposed rally’s schedule and venue arrangements remain the subject of the traders’ request to Congress leaders.
