Chandni Chowk: 300 Shops Ordered Shut for 4 Days Ahead of Independence Day

In a significant security measure ahead of Independence Day, the Delhi Police have directed nearly 300 shops in Chandni Chowk to remain closed from August 12 to 15. The stretch under the order spans a 1-kilometre area between Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and the Red Fort, where heightened security protocols have been put in place.

According to a police officer, security preparations, including additional deployment, verification drives, and area inspections, commenced on July 2 this year — nearly two weeks earlier than the usual July 15 start. The official said the intensified measures are in response to the November 2025 explosion near the Red Fort that claimed 13 lives.

“Beat officers have already informed traders about the shutdown from August 12 to 15. Patrolling has also been intensified across the market,” the officer said.

Unlike previous years, when shops were permitted to operate outside the hours of Independence Day rehearsals between August 12 and 14, traders this year have been asked to keep their establishments closed throughout the entire four-day period. Traditionally, shops in the area remain closed on August 15 due to the main celebrations at the Red Fort.

The atmosphere in the market is noticeably subdued. On Thursday, the rain-soaked lane opposite the heritage structure lacked its usual bustle, with police personnel stationed every few metres and patrol units combing through the area. Shopkeepers were seen offering attractive discounts to salvage some business before the clampdown takes effect.

Anil, who manages a bridal accessories shop in the market, reported that the security presence this time is visibly higher. “Police and army personnel are making rounds regularly. Background checks of all shop owners and workers were completed in the last week of July. These days, the police are conducting random searches of shops almost daily,” he said. He expects the curbs to take a heavy toll on business. Earlier, he noted, shops were allowed to operate for part of the day between August 12 and 14, but sales still dropped to nearly a quarter of normal business.

Pal, who runs a 70-year-old bag shop in the area, said traders have grown accustomed to annual disruptions but described this year's security arrangements as the most extensive he had witnessed in decades. “We know business suffers every year during Independence Day preparations, but this year’s deployment and screening are much more intensive,” he said.

The police have also intensified random checks at shops, hotels, lodges, guest houses, and major transit points, including metro stations and bus terminals. The Central district police are verifying more than 15,000 households and commercial establishments along and around the Independence Day route. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said every individual residing in these households has been screened to ascertain criminal antecedents.

Around 500 cameras, including facial recognition systems, automatic number plate recognition cameras, and pan-tilt-zoom cameras, have been deployed in and around the Red Fort, with live feeds monitored round the clock. Officials said route sanitisation is also underway, with multiple civic agencies working to ensure waterlogging does not disrupt movement during rehearsals or the main event.