New Delhi, Nov 1: Wholesale markets and commercial hubs in Delhi witnessed a major disruption on Sunday as the opposition INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' rally at Ramlila Maidan affected business operations, with traders estimating potential losses of Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) said around 80 per cent of shops in key markets near the rally venue remained closed due to traffic restrictions, road closures and concerns over the movement of large crowds.

CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said the disruption had halted business activity in nearly 20 to 22 major markets. These markets, including Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Chawri Bazaar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place and Janpath, collectively house around three lakh shops.

According to Goyal, these markets typically record daily business worth Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore. However, he clarified that the actual financial impact would be determined after collecting market-wise data from traders.

The rally-related restrictions also affected the movement of customers and goods. Goyal said around three to four lakh buyers from Delhi and neighbouring cities usually visit these markets every day. Besides, nearly 5,000 goods vehicles operate in the area for loading, unloading and distributing merchandise.

With business activity disrupted, supplies from these wholesale centres to different parts of Delhi and other cities are also likely to be affected.

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Traders have expressed concern over the timing of the rally, particularly with the peak festive shopping period approaching. Goyal pointed out that purchases worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore are made in Delhi on Dhanteras alone, warning that continued disruptions could affect seasonal sales.

CTI Vice President Rahul Adlakha said traders from outside the national capital had cancelled their visits due to traffic restrictions and the rally. Even businesses that remained open were struggling to attract customers, he added.

The traders' body also questioned claims that rally participants would contribute to local business activity. Goyal said CTI had written its fourth letter to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, arguing that closed markets and restricted access would leave little scope for participants to shop.

The CTI is now planning to collect detailed information from individual markets to determine the extent of the losses. The traders' body has also raised concerns about compensation for businesses affected by the disruption. (With ANI inputs)